PUTRAJAYA: The government has decided to maintain the electricity tariff for domestic users in Peninsular Malaysia until the end of the year.
Meanwhile, the rates for industrial and commercial users will see a reduction of one sen from 3.70 sen per kWh to 2.70 sen/kWh
The move involves 1.7 million non-domestic customers in the low voltage tariff categories (B and D); specific agriculture (H, H1 and H2), and 259 water and sewerage operators.
It will see a reduction in electricity bills of between RM2 and RM429,000 (one to two per cent).
The Energy Transition and Water Transformation Ministry said the move sought to stabilise the prices of goods, support the government's efforts to encourage investments in Malaysia, and improve job opportunities and boost the economy.
It said the government agreed to reduce the surcharge for streetlights (tariff G and G1), about 59,000 of them, under local authorities from 10 sen to nine sen/kWh, for the same period (savings in electricity bill of between RM0.38 and RM1,526.1).
This is to allow local governments to provide lighting in public places, such as roadsides, residential schemes and recreational spaces, it said.
Some 34,000 non-domestic users in the "others" category will see a reduction in bills of between RM2 and RM192,000 (surcharge reduced from 17 sen to 16 sen/kWh).
"The government is committed to safeguarding the people's welbeing by ensuring that domestic consumers continue to be protected through targeted electricity subsidies," the ministry said.
In addition, consumers in the hardcore poor category registered with e-Kasih will benefit from the RM40 electric rebate programme, with an allocation of RM55 million.
Consumers can check their status at https://semakanrebat.petra.gov.my/apps/public/index.php or visit a utility store.
The move increases the subsidy for electricity from RM1.93 billion between January and June to RM2.192 billion from July 1 to Dec 31, it said.
"The ministry believes the implementation of targeted electricity subsidies is the best approach at this time as it helps ease the government's subsidy commitment.
"Savings can then be channelled as assistance to the people, as well as allowing the government to improve public infrastructure, and healthcare and education sectors.
"Even though there is no electricity tariff hike in the peninsula from July to December, consumers should use electricity prudently and practise energy efficiency."
Under the Save 4.0 programme, consumers stand to receive rebates of up to RM400 for buying energy-efficient refrigerators and air-conditioners that received four or five-star ratings from the Energy Commission.
Consumers are encouraged to participate in initiatives such as Solar for Rakyat Incentive Scheme where new users for the Net Energy Metering programme get a rebate of RM1,000 per kWac (maximum rebate of RM4,000).