PETALING JAYA: The quantum that multinational and export-oriented companies will be subjected to the electricity tariff hike should be handled with caution to avoid spillover effects on the rakyat, says a consumer group.
Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations president Datuk Dr Marimuthu Nadason said the decision not to impose an electricity tariff hike on SMEs and households is a move in the right direction as it will not burden the rakyat with additional cost.
“Should the SMEs be subjected to the hike as well, it will not help the local economy as the business owners might shift the additional cost to consumers,” he said.
However, he said the government should handle the electricity tariff hike for multinational and large export-oriented companies cautiously.
“Are they solely for export-oriented company? If it is, then it’s okay. But if some of the items are for the local market, then they may pass the cost back to us again.
“So the government has to deal with it cautiously,” he said.
Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) education officer NV Subbarow commended the move but hopes that businesses that are given similar subsidies will not arbitrarily increase the prices of their goods and services.
He urged the relevant authorities to carry out regular enforcement to prevent unnecessary price hikes.
“Consumers will surely be very happy with the announcement, but they too must remember to play their role in saving electricity.
“Meanwhile, food-based companies must make sure that they do not increase their prices, and I hope they won’t find other excuses to do so.
“The relevant authorities must punish companies that increase their prices without valid reasons. This includes restaurants,” he added.
Yesterday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that only multinational and large export-oriented companies will be subjected to an electricity tariff hike.
However, the hike would not be directed at households, SMEs and companies involved in agricultural and food production.
He said Energy and Natural Resources Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad would be announcing the details of the tariff rates for affected sectors.
