Businesses at the Kulim Hi-Tech Park were reported to be up in arms over the sudden hike in electricity tariff, with some warning that the move will cripple investments and make Malaysia less attractive to high-tech industries. (Facebook pic)
Padang Serai MP Azman Nasrudin says a review by the commission is needed to prevent a recurrence of the sudden electricity tariff hike.
PETALING JAYA:
An opposition MP has backed a call for the Energy Commission to review a sudden electricity tariff hike affecting businesses at the Kulim Hi-Tech Park (KHTP).
Azman Nasrudin (PN-Padang Serai) said such actions disrupt the business plans of industry players, who should have been given the time and space to adjust to any increase in electricity tariffs.
He urged the government to instruct the Energy Commission to review the matter to prevent such an incident from recurring.
“Such action disrupts economic growth and affects industries with plans to attract investors.
“They will now see Malaysia as a destination where hasty decisions are made,” he said while debating the king’s speech in the Dewan Rakyat today.
Yesterday, FMT reported that businesses at the KHTP were up in arms over the sudden hike in electricity tariff, with some warning that the move will cripple investments and make Malaysia less attractive to high-tech industries.
As of Jan 1, companies at KHTP had seen their electricity costs surge by up to 21%. Tenants were notified of the increase on Dec 31, 2024 – just a day before the hike took effect.
The Kulim Hi-Tech Park Industrial Tenants Association (Kita) and the Malaysia Semiconductor Industry Association (MSIA) called for immediate action on the issue.
Kita president Chong Nee Hwa asked for a six-month moratorium before the new rates take effect, while MSIA urged the government to review the tariff increase, introduce relief measures and hold an urgent stakeholder meeting to address the issue.
Electricity at KHTP is supplied by NUR Power, a private utility company with exclusive generation and distribution rights for the tech park. This means that the industrial tenants at the park do not receive electricity from Tenaga Nasional Berhad.
A senior executive at one of the affected businesses said that electricity costs had risen by 19%, directly affecting the company’s cost structure.
Another key player expressed concern that further tariff increases may be imposed without consultation.
2025-02-04T16:00:00Z
Source Link: freemalaysiatoday