KOTA KINABALU: The current electricity tariff rates in Peninsular Malaysia will be maintained for the next three years while the rates in Sabah and Labuan will remain unchanged until June 30 next year.
The rates in Peninsular Malaysia stands at 38.53 sen per kilowatt-hour (sen/kWh) and 34.52 sen/kWh in Sabah and Labuan.
Energy, Green Technology and Water Minister Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili said the electricity tariff schedule will be effective from next Monday.
"The Cabinet had also agreed that the government would bear the electricity tariff rebates of 1.80 sen/kwh (in the Peninsular) amounting to RM929.37 million for the period of Jan 1 until June 30 next year.
"Consumers in Sabah and Labuan will enjoy electricity tariff rebates of 1.20 sen/kwh throughout the said period," he told a press conference here today.
He said consumers in the Peninsular will continue to receive reliable electricity supply along with more advanced infrastructure development initiatives and support programmes by Tenaga Nasional Berhad.
They include the development of the Advanced Metering Infrastructure with the installation of 1.5 million smart meters, starting with major urban areas of the Peninsular.
There will also be development of additional fiber optic networks to ensure the reliability and safety of electrical supplies, as well as installation of LED street lights in major cities to promote energy-efficient practices.
Ongkili said a total of 200 megawatt or 20 megawatt solar projects will be implemented at 10 major national public universities, and a five-year education programme totaling RM1 billion will begin next year.
As for Sabah and Labuan, the government has provided fuel and tariff support subsidies worth RM1.631 billion for the period of March 2015 to June 2018.
"The pledge to maintain the current electricity tariffs clearly demonstrates the sincerity and concern of the government, which always places the welfare and interests of people as its most utmost priority.
"This is in line with the government's unwavering efforts to reduce the burden of the rising cost of living of its citizens."