Recently, the Malaysian National Energy Corporation (hereinafter referred to as "National Energy") submitted a highly anticipated proposal to the stock exchange, planning to increase the basic electricity bill in West Malaysia by up to 14.2% from July 1, 2025. This news quickly sparked widespread attention and discussion in various sectors of society, and many people are concerned that the increase in electricity bills will further push up the cost of living and exacerbate existing economic pressures.

It is reported that the main reason for the increase in electricity bills proposed by Guoneng is the continuous rise in fuel costs such as coal and natural gas. Guoneng Finance Director Nazmi revealed at a media briefing that the current basic electricity fee is 39.95 cents per kilowatt hour (approximately SGD 0.12), and the proposed adjusted electricity fee will increase to 45.62 cents. However, he also made it clear that this proposal has not yet received formal approval from the government. Nazmi emphasized that electricity prices will remain unchanged in the first half of 2025, and regarding the electricity policy for the second half of the year, the government will make a decision in the next six months, taking into account market trends in fuel and natural gas prices as well as the actual situation of the public.

Faced with the potential increase in electricity bills, Malaysian Prime Minister and Finance Minister Anwar Ibrahim quickly responded. After attending an event in Langkawi, Kedah, he stated that the government will never allow an increase in electricity bills to impose additional burdens on the public. Anwar pointed out that the rise in fuel costs should not be borne by ordinary people, but should be shared through other means, such as adjusting electricity bills for high-income groups and profitable industries. He emphasized, "I understand the necessity of rising electricity bills, but this should not be a reason to increase the burden on the lives of most people

At the same time, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy Transition and Public Utilities Fadhila also issued a statement, stating that the Ministry of Energy has not yet received any formal proposal or notification from Guoneng regarding the increase in electricity bills. He reiterated the government's position that any electricity tariff adjustments that may increase the burden on the public will not be allowed. Fadila promised that the government will be committed to protecting the interests of the people and small and medium-sized enterprises, and ensuring the reasonableness of electricity bills.

The news of electricity tariff adjustment has not only attracted high attention at the government level, but also sparked extensive discussions in various sectors of society. Many businesses have expressed that the increase in electricity bills will directly lead to an increase in operating costs, which in turn will trigger a chain of rising prices for goods, services, and rent, ultimately affecting the lives of every consumer.

As one of the important political forces in Malaysia, the Malaysian Chinese Association, a member of Barisan Nasional, has also expressed concern about the proposed electricity tariff adjustment by Guoneng. Vice President of MCA, Liu Yaqiang, called on the government to carefully consider this proposal in a statement to avoid it becoming the last straw that crushes ordinary families and small and medium-sized enterprises. He emphasized that the issue of electricity bills is not only related to the economic interests of enterprises and households, but also a test of the government's governance ability. He hopes that the government can stand in the shoes of the people and ensure that the decision to adjust electricity bills will not affect the overall economic recovery, so that the people can truly benefit.

In the coming months, the Malaysian government will face the challenge of finding a balance between safeguarding public interests and controlling costs.