PUTRAJAYA: Electricity tariff protection will remain in place to ensure about 85% of Malaysians are shielded from any impact, despite pressure from rising energy costs on prices and the economy.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, who is also Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister, said domestic consumers using up to 600kWh of electricity per month would not be affected, although minor adjustments may apply to those exceeding the threshold.
"Our electricity cost structure guarantees that 85% of the people will not be affected, and the government will maintain that protection," he told reporters after attending the ministry’s monthly assembly here on Friday (May 22).
Fadillah said any anticipated increase would not involve a blanket electricity tariff hike, but would instead stem from global supply disruptions that have driven up logistics and supply chain costs.
He said consumers using more than 600kWh per month might face slight adjustments.
"There may be increases involving certain industries or sectors, but we are still evaluating the overall impact," he said.
Earlier in his speech, Fadillah said Malaysia was also feeling the effects of global supply chain uncertainty and supply crises, but stressed that the government remained committed to addressing the challenges through a pragmatic approach prioritising public welfare.
He said the government is focused on ensuring a stable supply of essential needs, protecting the public from excessive cost-of-living pressures and strengthening the country's long-term economic resilience.
"Various measures, including targeted assistance, price controls, stronger energy security and strategic cooperation between the government, industry and the people, are being and will continue to be implemented.
"What is important is that we face this crisis with a spirit of togetherness," he said. - Bernama
