PUTRAJAYA – The government has given its assurances that the 20 sen/kWh increase in electricity surcharge for multinational corporations, high voltage, and medium voltage users will have little impact on consumers.
Natural Resources, Environment, and Climate Change Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad told a press conference that the increased tariff will have an impact though it will be very minimal.
“The ministry has our calculations. There is an impact on inflation but it is not big. We are not increasing the surcharge for our domestic users but only large companies. Obviously, there will be an impact – but it is a small one.
“We also hope that this will allow the companies to be more energy efficient to minimise the impact on consumers,” said the newly minted minister.
He promised he will speak to officials at the Domestic Trade and Living Costs Ministry, seeing that they are the relevant authorities on consumer affairs.
Nik Nazmi added that the issue of companies passing the surcharge on to consumers was discussed in the cabinet after it was studied by the relevant ministries, authorities, and the National Action Council on Costs of Living – which is chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
“The issue was discussed in the cabinet after the studies and feedback by the relevant ministries. They informed that some companies will be passing the cost through but it will be marginal.
“Being aware of this, the relevant authorities will conduct the necessary monitoring,” he said. – The Vibes, December 16, 2022
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