KUALA LUMPUR: A fairer mechanism for determining electricity tariff charges for domestic and industry users is currently in the works, says Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.
The Deputy Prime Minister said this includes reviewing the possibility of different rates charged for domestic and industry users.
“This way, there could be different rates for domestic and industries, providing a more just and fair mechanism for our users.
“Shielding domestic users is our priority,” he said at the Dewan Rakyat yesterday.
Fadillah also said the Energy Commission has been assigned to carry out an in-depth study on enhanced measures to shield consumers.
He was responding to a supplementary question by Shah Alam MP Azli Yusof who asked whether there are plans to extend the 800kWh electricity subsidy threshold for domestic users in Peninsular Malaysia beyond Dec 31 this year and whether it will be reviewed.
This follows Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s announcement last month that domestic consumers will enjoy electricity bill subsidies for usage of up to 800kWh a month, up from 600kWh, until Dec 31.
Earlier, consumers had lamented a sharp increase in their electricity bills over the last few months and urged the government to address the matter.
On a separate matter, Fadillah in a statement said, efforts are being stepped up to address the influx of foreign products and businesses in the domestic market amid growing concerns over the impact on local traders and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
He said the matter was among key issues discussed during the Cabinet Committee on Empowering the Purchase and Use of Local Products meeting on Oct 15.
The committee, established in July this year, is part of Putrajaya’s efforts to promote local products.
“The meeting highlighted the need for coordinated enforcement regarding the entry of foreign entities’ products and businesses, which will be examined by the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry and the Finance Ministry through a newly established working committee.
“This effort is crucial to ensure local traders have a fairer opportunity to compete, grow their businesses, and expand their market reach,” he said.
Fadillah said the committee also stressed the need to ensure the growth of the digital economy does not marginalise local businesses, but instead provides a transparent, orderly and responsible trading environment.
“In this regard, focus was given to the drafting of the e-Commerce Bill to support a more effective e-commerce ecosystem, taking into account the interests of merchants, MSMEs and consumers, as well as current shifts in the trade landscape,” he said.
He added that the meeting also reviewed the Terms of Reference and membership of this Cabinet Committee to reinforce coordination mechanisms across ministries and agencies.
