MALAYSIANS are being urged to adopt energy-saving practices as the country faces the prospect of rising electricity costs driven by global uncertainty, including geopolitical tensions in West Asia.
Bank Muamalat Malaysia Berhad Chief Economist Dr Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid said current developments could significantly affect fuel prices, thereby increasing the cost of electricity generation.
“Coal accounts for about 58.8 per cent of total electricity generation, followed by gas at 33.6 per cent. Therefore, the current sharp increase in gas prices could potentially lead to higher electricity tariffs in the future,” he said when contacted.
He noted that Malaysia’s energy mix remains heavily reliant on fossil fuels, making it particularly vulnerable to fluctuations in global fuel markets.
In light of this, he stressed the need for consumers to be more prudent in their electricity usage, especially when operating high-energy appliances such as air conditioners.
“We are aware that devices such as air conditioners are among the highest consumers of electricity. Therefore, temperature settings and usage patterns can influence monthly electricity bills. If left unmanaged, consumers risk facing higher bills in the future due to rising fuel costs for electricity generation.
“Therefore, Malaysians are encouraged to observe the current situation and make use of various energy-saving platforms to reduce electricity consumption,” he explained.
He added that practical measures, such as setting optimal temperatures and limiting usage duration, can help households manage their energy bills more effectively.
Consumers are also encouraged to take advantage of initiatives such as the Time-of-Use (ToU) scheme, which offers lower electricity rates during off-peak hours.
Commenting further, Afzanizam said that while there are multiple strategies to address the broader energy challenge, conserving electricity remains the most immediate and practical step for the public.
However, for the longer term, he advocated a shift towards renewable energy sources such as solar power to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
“Although it may require relatively high initial investment, the long-term returns can help reduce the burden of electricity-related costs. There are various ways to address this issue, but for now, conserving electricity remains the primary measure in facing the current crisis,” he said. - April 12, 2026
