OFFER targetted electricity rebates instead of a blanket policy to help struggling communities, especially the B40 and M40.
“We welcome the Government’s decision to offer electricity rebates due to lower fuel prices and tough economic condition.
“However, we would like to urge the Government to target the rebate for the B40 and M40 groups, and leave out those under the T20 category,” Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) central committee member Sharan Raj told FocusM.
Two days ago, Energy and Natural Resources Minister Datuk Shamsul Anuar Nasarah announced that domestic and industrial customers will be able to enjoy electricity rebates of two sen per kilowatt hour (kWh) from Jan 1 to June 30, 2021.
With the rebate, he added, 7.5 million domestic consumers would see a reduction of between 3.6% and 9.2% in their electricity bills, while commercial users would experience between 4% and 5.2% reduction in their bills.
“Industrial users will see a reduction of between 4.6% and 6.1%,” Shamsul was reported saying.
The Lenggong MP said the Government had agreed to maintain Tenaga Nasional Bhd’s (TNB) average base tariff at 39.45 sen/kWh for 2021.
Not “victimising” the rich
On the rebate, Sharan said that 82% of consumers in the Peninsula Malaysia use less than 600 kWh of power, which means they are prudent in their electricity consumption.
“The B40 and M40 groups strive to limit their electricity usage. However, electricity wastage soars among people under the higher-income bracket, or the T20.
“Therefore, a rebate for the T20 group would only increase electricity wastage and our carbon footprint for Malaysia,” he said.
On arguments that the T20 might feel “victimised” by the proposal, Sharan dismissed the notion outright.
Elaborating, the PSM leader said the T20 group possesses the financial muscle to purchase energy efficient appliances and invest in solar panels for cheaper electricity generation.
“They have more means to reduce electricity wastage. So, it’s not necessary to extend the rebate to them.
“Plus, many from the B40 and M40 groups have lost their jobs and suffered salary deduction due to the economic downturn. So, they deserve the rebate more,” Sharan remarked. – Dec 26, 2020.
