Latest news with #DomesticTradeandCostofLivingMinistry


The Star
11 hours ago
- Business
- The Star
Fomca lauds new 'B40-friendly' electricity tariffs
KUALA LUMPUR: The Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) has expressed full support for the implementation of the new electricity tariff structure under Regulatory Period 4 (RP4). The new tariffs will take effect from July 1, 2025, to Dec 31, 2027, under the Incentive-Based Regulation (IBR) framework. Describing it as timely, progressive and beneficial for Malaysian households, Fomca chief executive officer Dr T. Saravanan said the new tariffs reflects a fairer and more transparent energy pricing system. "This initiative comes at a crucial time when many households are facing financial pressures due to inflation and the rising cost of living," he said. Saravanan said the revised tariff structure reduces the average base tariff from 45.62 sen/kWh to 45.40 sen/kWh, contributing to an estimated 19% reduction in total average electricity costs compared to the previous regulatory period. Although the rate cut may appear marginal, he said it is supported by structural reforms that provide greater protection to domestic consumers, particularly those in the B40 and M40 income groups. Saravanan said the introduction of the "Energy Efficiency Incentive" allows households that consume 1,000 kWh or less per month to avoid any tariff increase, thereby rewarding energy-efficient users and encouraging responsible consumption. "The updated structure also includes a more detailed billing system, with breakdowns of energy generation, network usage, capacity charges, and retail costs. "This level of transparency empowers consumers to understand their bills better and provides clarity on how costs are derived," he said. The expanded "Time of Use" scheme now includes weekends and off-peak weekday hours from 10pm to 2pm the next day, enabling consumers to enjoy further savings by shifting high-usage activities to these periods. Fomca also welcomed continued protection for vulnerable groups, including a RM40 monthly rebate for hardcore poor households under the e-Kasih programme, and dedicated tariffs for the agriculture, water, sanitation, and rail sectors. A 10% rebate for educational institutions, places of worship, and registered welfare homes will also remain in place. Saravanan said the replacement of the Imbalance Cost Pass-Through mechanism with the new Automatic Fuel Adjustment system would enhance price responsiveness to global fuel and currency movements. He however stressed the need for clear communication on any resulting price changes. He urged the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry to step up enforcement against unjustified price hikes in essential goods that may be triggered by the tariff adjustment. "Fomca will continue to monitor the implementation closely and advocate for ongoing consumer engagement, education and regulatory enforcement to maximise the impact of this policy reform," he said. The Energy Commission on Friday (June 20) announced that starting July 1, 2025, over 23.6 million domestic users in Peninsular Malaysia will benefit from fairer and more progressive electricity rates under the newly approved tariff schedule for Regulatory Period 4 (2025-2027). This includes changes to the average base tariff rate, the tariff structure and the fuel cost adjustment mechanism, implemented under the Incentive-Based Regulation framework. – Bernama

Barnama
12 hours ago
- Business
- Barnama
Mobile Rahmah Sale At Bawang Assan Community Hall Tomorrow
SIBU, June 20 (Bernama) -- The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) in Sibu will organise a mobile Rahmah Sale at the Bawang Assan Community Hall, here, tomorrow (Saturday, June 21). Irene Wong, special assistant to Sibu MP Oscar Ling Chai Yew, said the mobile sale will offer a variety of selected daily necessities at special prices to reduce the burden on the people's cost of living. 'The sale has received overwhelming response from the community as it directly benefits consumers by offering quality goods at lower prices,' she said in a statement today.


The Sun
14 hours ago
- The Sun
Johor KPDN busts LPG misappropriation syndicate, seizes goods worth RM200,000
KLUANG: The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) in Johor has crippled a syndicate misappropriating subsidised liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) operating under the guise of a palm oil weighing centre in Machap on Wednesday. Its director, Lilis Saslinda Pornomo, said the scheme was uncovered during a joint raid with the Putrajaya branch at 8 pm, during which they discovered 1,176 gas cylinders, both empty and filled, estimated to weigh 4,000 kilogrammes (kg) and worth RM200,000. Also found at the premises was a lorry tank. 'The modus operandi of the syndicate is using an old storage facility behind the palm oil collection and weighing centre to transfer subsidised 14kg LPG into a lorry tank using a method known as decanting. 'It is believed that the misappropriated gas was intended for industrial use. Further investigation is underway to determine whether it was meant for the local market or otherwise,' she told a press conference here today. Two workers, a local and an Indonesian national, both in their 30s, were also arrested following the raid. The case is being investigated under the Control of Supplies Act 1961.


The Sun
14 hours ago
- The Sun
LPG syndicate busted in Johor, RM200k worth seized
KLUANG: The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) in Johor has crippled a syndicate misappropriating subsidised liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) operating under the guise of a palm oil weighing centre in Machap on Wednesday. Its director, Lilis Saslinda Pornomo, said the scheme was uncovered during a joint raid with the Putrajaya branch at 8 pm, during which they discovered 1,176 gas cylinders, both empty and filled, estimated to weigh 4,000 kilogrammes (kg) and worth RM200,000. Also found at the premises was a lorry tank. 'The modus operandi of the syndicate is using an old storage facility behind the palm oil collection and weighing centre to transfer subsidised 14kg LPG into a lorry tank using a method known as decanting. 'It is believed that the misappropriated gas was intended for industrial use. Further investigation is underway to determine whether it was meant for the local market or otherwise,' she told a press conference here today. Two workers, a local and an Indonesian national, both in their 30s, were also arrested following the raid. The case is being investigated under the Control of Supplies Act 1961.

Barnama
15 hours ago
- Barnama
Johor KPDN Busts LPG Misappropriation Syndicate, Seizes Goods Worth RM200,000
KLUANG, June 20 (Bernama) -- The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) in Johor has crippled a syndicate misappropriating subsidised liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) operating under the guise of a palm oil weighing centre in Machap on Wednesday. Its director, Lilis Saslinda Pornomo, said the scheme was uncovered during a joint raid with the Putrajaya branch at 8 pm, during which they discovered 1,176 gas cylinders, both empty and filled, estimated to weigh 4,000 kilogrammes (kg) and worth RM200,000. Also found at the premises was a lorry tank. 'The modus operandi of the syndicate is using an old storage facility behind the palm oil collection and weighing centre to transfer subsidised 14kg LPG into a lorry tank using a method known as decanting.