New Electricity Tariff under Study: Malaysian Minister

Malaysian Energy, Green Technology and Water Minister Peter Chin Fah Kui said after an assembly near here Wednesday that the new electricity tariff increase application made by Tenaga Nasional Bhd, the main Malaysian energy provider, was being studied.

The result would be submitted to the Malaysian cabinet to seek approval, added Chin.

Chin said the electricity tariff was being reviewed every six months due to the fuel price adjustment but whether or not there would be a new tariff depended on the Malaysian cabinet's decision.

Earlier, Malaysian Second Finance Minister Ahmad Husni Hanadzlah said the Malaysian government was striving to review utility costs in the country in order to bring the business-doing cost down.

Chin said it was normal for the company to ask for an increase in tariff as power generation cost was escalating.

However, Chin stressed that the Malaysian cabinet would look at the economic condition and the people's affordability before giving green light to the tariff-rise.