Anwar orders review of rising electricity bills

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has called a special meeting for Thursday to examine immediate measures aimed at reducing the impact of higher electricity bills on affected Malaysian households.

The meeting will involve the Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation, the Energy Commission, Tenaga Nasional Berhad and the Ministry of Finance.

Anwar said public concern about recent electricity bill increases required urgent attention. The Prime Minister, who is also Finance Minister, said the government would continue its targeted-subsidy approach while reviewing how to ease pressure on households facing higher charges.

Most households remain protected

According to Anwar, around 80 per cent of domestic electricity users consume no more than 600 kilowatt-hours a month and remain protected from the higher rate linked to increased fuel costs this year.

However, some households have crossed that threshold because of heavier electricity use during the recent haze and hotter weather. Once consumption exceeds 600kWh, users can become subject to the Automatic Fuel Cost Adjustment.

The September adjustment was reported at 3.67 sen per kilowatt-hour.

Haze adds to household costs

Poor air quality and high temperatures have encouraged greater use of air conditioning and other cooling appliances. That has left some households with unexpectedly higher monthly consumption, even where their usual usage sits within the protected range.

The government says it will consider mitigation measures for those households while maintaining the broader policy of targeting subsidies to those who need them most.

No specific relief measure has yet been announced. The outcome of the special meeting is expected to clarify whether affected households will receive additional support or changes to how the charges are applied.

What it means for foreigners in Malaysia

Foreign residents who pay their own utility bills should check their monthly electricity use, especially if running air conditioning more often during haze or hot weather. Keeping usage below 600kWh may be important for avoiding additional fuel-cost adjustments, depending on the applicable tariff and account type.

16.09.2026