KUALA LUMPUR: As the government proceeds with its plan to implement a two per cent increase in the sales and service tax (SST) on domestic electricity usage exceeding 600kWH or RM220 per month, households in Malaysia should adopt self-austerity measures to manage expenses effectively.
MCA Federal Territories New Media Bureau deputy chief Chris Daniel Wong said this comes amidst concerns over the impact of the SST hike on consumers' wallets.
He said households were encouraged to consume less and make smart choices, such as switching to energy-efficient appliances and LED lights, to mitigate the effects of the impending SST hike.
While water remains exempt from the SST increase, Malaysians are urged to reduce water consumption, considering that domestic water usage in Peninsular Malaysia and the Federal Territory of Labuan averaged 245 litres per capita per day in 2020, surpassing the United Nations' recommended daily water requirement of 165 litres per person per day.
"Taking shorter baths will lead to shorter electricity consumption via water heater. When each individual lessening our water consumption, this will also alleviate the pressure off our reservoirs.
"Do think of Penang, where cloud seeding has begun owing to declining water reserves," he said.
In addition to conserving water and electricity, households are encouraged to eat out less frequently and opt for home-cooked meals.
Wong also encouraged urbanites to cultivate vegetables in their compounds or "township" gardens.
Residents of stratified properties can also explore innovative solutions like growing fruits and vegetables on balconies or tiers to reduce food expenses.