[UPDATED] Electricity tariff hike won’t affect public, SMEs: Anwar

PUTRAJAYA – Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has promised that any increase in electricity tariffs will not hit small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) or the public, but will instead focus on multi-national corporations (MNCs) and the super-rich.

Speaking to a press conference after his cabinet meeting today, the prime minister explained that details regarding the hike will be announced by Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Minister, Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad.

“This (electricity) subsidy will not be given to giant multi-national conglomerates, but (is meant) for SMEs, food production and agricultural companies, and the public…they will not be affected at all by any increased tariffs.

“It will also be a very gradual, reasonable increase, so we won’t disrupt productions and business projections. The details will be announced soon by the minister concerned,” said Anwar.

He stressed that the government has been burdened by a RM30 billion electricity subsidy bill so far each year, yet the majority who are enjoying benefits under the subsidy are conglomerates and the ultra-rich.

Therefore, Putrajaya will slowly increase tariffs for these individuals and companies in phases, starting with MNCs and companies that export products overseas.

Furthermore, he added that the National Action Council on Cost of Living had submitted its report and recommendations regarding cost-of-living issues plaguing Malaysians in general, post-Covid-19 pandemic and the world at large.

Based on the report, Anwar has instructed the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (Fama) to address irregularities in the agriculture market sector.

“I’ve instructed Fama to give a full report and undertake adequate measures to reduce this problem. 

“For instance, last year, there was a huge problem for farmers in Cameron Highlands who had to dispose of their produce because there were no buyers or transportation (to pick up and deliver the produce),” he said, referring to the time when the nation went under Covid-19 lockdown.

Meanwhile, regarding political matters, Anwar said that coalition and party leaders such as Gabungan Parti Sarawak, Gabungan Rakyat Sabah, Warisan and others have given their commitment to back the vote of confidence that will take place when Dewan Rakyat is in session on Monday.

Today’s cabinet meeting also touched on flood mitigation plans. – The Vibes, December 14, 2022

Additional reporting by Khaw Chia Hui