No 'hidden' power tariff hikes, says Sabah Energy Commission
KOTA KINABALU: There are no hidden increases in electricity charges in Sabah, says the Energy Commission of Sabah (ECoS).
In a statement on Tuesday (June 24), ECoS stressed that the tariff structure and rates have not been revised since the last revision in 2014.
It also said the tariff structure and rate schedule for Sabah and Labuan, effective since Jan 1, 2014, can be obtained from Sabah Electricity's website.
Its statement came after Parti Warisan's Kota Kinabalu division information chief Samuel Wong claimed that there were hidden increases in electricity tariffs through the tiered rate structure.
'Consumers are assured that they will only be charged the rate of 47 sen per kilowatt-hour for consumption above 1,000 units, meaning monthly bills above RM383. This has been in effect since Jan 1, 2014,' ECoS said.
ALSO READ: Warisan urges explanation of 'hidden' tariff hikes in Sabah
It said that Wong or any concerned citizen may present any unusual bills that do not follow gazetted tariff blocks and rates to ECoS for investigation.
'If there is any error or negligence on the part of Sabah Electricity, ECoS will investigate and rectify accordingly.
'In the interests of transparency and accountability, ECoS encourages the public to use its official complaints and clarification platform, Talk2ECoS, especially in cases where consumers are unable to receive adequate responses from licensees such as Sabah Electricity,' it added.
ECoS said it was committed to safeguarding consumer rights and ensuring fair electricity pricing, while continuing to support efforts that strengthen the reliability and sustainability of Sabah's power supply.
Earlier, Wong called on the government to address what he claimed were hidden tariff hikes in Sabah through a quietly restructured tiered billing system.
He said that although the state recently announced a six-month waiver of the electricity surcharge under the Imbalance Cost Pass-Through (ICPT) mechanism, Sabahans were still experiencing rising bills because of a more complicated and punishing tier structure.
He said while the government said there was no surcharge, consumer bills told a different story via subtle changes to how electricity usage was charged, calling it a disguised price hike.
Wong said that in 2022, there were five usage tiers ranging from RM0.175 to RM0.450 per 100 units but by this year, the structure expanded to seven tiers, with a new highest rate of RM0.470 per 100 units.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Express
17 hours ago
- Daily Express
Hajiji's power solutions are in place
Published on: Sunday, June 29, 2025 Published on: Sun, Jun 29, 2025 By: Datuk John Lo Text Size: ONE of Hajiji's first acts as CM was to reclaim the authority of Power Generation from KL. No such initiative was ever taken before he realised. Sabah would not be able to progress unless he could regain several rights for Sabah from the Federal Government. One of his top priorities was to reclaim the authority on power generation from KL. Daily power shortages, blackouts are not new. In fact, Sabah has been having power cuts and shortage since the 1980s, 40 long years ago! Sabahans, grinding their teeth, suffered blackouts almost daily. Small businesses were badly hit. Sandakan was the worst affected. Not one major investment for new power generation after 285MW gas IPP fully commissioned in 2014. IPP agreements were signed without Sabah's consent. Very serious under investment in power generation for two generations! Sabah's economy really suffered: Hardly investment came to Sabah for 40 years. Very serious economic setback. Like he regained the oil/gas rights, Hajiji retook power generation from KL with no fiery speeches, no blaming anyone, just get the job done. No blowing of trumpet when he got it back. ECoS was formed without fanfare. ECoS has been transforming Sabah's power generation since its inception! Thank God, ECoS has complete authority over Sabah's power generation now. Since ECoS has been formed, No more Delays in Approval for Power Generation. After Sabah's surrender of the authority to the Federal Government in 1982, approvals for new power generation could take up to 18 years or more in some cases. Cries of Sabah's power shortages were ignored and pushed to the back burner, given scant attention, no priority. Hajiji and his team must have burnt the 'mid-night oil' in negotiation with KL. Their hard work has paid off. The Energy Commission of Sabah (ECoS) was formed on January 10, 2023. It fully took over the regulatory authority for power generation [including renewable energy] on 3 January 2024. In anticipation of Sabah's future energy needs, the GRS government has added the Ocean Thermal Energy Enactment 2024 on April 25, 2024. This amendment empowers ECoS to regulate activities related to Ocean Thermal Power Conversion (OTEC). A most forward-looking move! Instant Solution for Sabah's Power Shortage is Impossible. 4 easily understood reasons: First. Lest anyone has the urging to play the blame game, Sabah's power shortages have started more than 40 years ago. Sabah's power needs have been neglected this long! No quick-fix solution is possible. Second. Power generation requires massive financial resources and construction time. It is not like cooking cheap instant noodle. Third. Power generation is expensive. The ECoS plan is possible and Sabah government can now actively partake in its development because Masidi has put the Sabah's financial management in order. Revenue has been at an all-time high since Hajiji's take over. Now at RM8b, almost double from 2020. Fourth. Hajiji's successful economic restructure has produced investors' confidence in power generation. ECoS has Produced a Miracle for Sabah. No more 18 years of waiting for approvals! ECoS, formed on 3 January, 2023, took over complete regulatory control only on 3 January 2024. CEO Nasser, all engineers, and staff are all Sabahans. They have done an incredible job. Within less than 2 years, everything is in place that will solve Sabah 40-year-old power shortages. Nasser and his team have even got a roadmap that will give Sabah sufficient power beyond 2030. Most impressive is that ECoS has incorporated BESS [Battery Energy Storage System] biomass, solar and hydro to generate power in its master plan. 1 BESS is being installed in Lahad Datu. This is a new dimension for power generation for Sabah. Before, it was total reliant on diesel and gas. ECoS now also plays a pivotal role with state GLCs to strategize gas planning for power and industry needs. The attached chart is self-explanatory and reflective of the ECoS miracle, doubling present 1200 MW capacity. Hajiji's retake of power generation from KL is Pivotal for Sabah's Future. Several reasons: [1]. It is the first ever serious attempt to resolve Sabah's 40-year-old power problem, 40 years of economic doldrum. Soon, these 40 long miserable years will be over. Sabahans must have faith that the all Sabahan ECoS team under Nasser can and will solve this 40-year power problem. A new chapter of power supply is being unfolded now. Soon, when new power generations begin, Sabahans will begin to experience better lives. [2] ECoS plan has inspired investors' confidence. ECoS' master plan has played a indispensable role in Hajiji's strategy to attract massive investment into Sabah. Major foreign investors would not have shown interest or invest their billions in Sabah unless they have faith in ECoS' long term power plan. Sabah is a leading state in inflow of investment, implemented, being implemented and committed total RM58b. [3] ECoS' power master plan will have tremendous impact for all small businesses as constant supply of power will improve their business like never before. [4] For all Sabahans, we can live in better comfort. Babies can sleep in air-con comfort with no disruptions. For the rural folks, in situ solar power for individual kampongs is coming. Hajiji's Creation of ECoS for Sabah, How Important for Sabah's Future To sceptics, please consider these objectives of ECoS: [1] Energy Autonomy and Self-Regulation: ECoS is now the sole regulatory authority for onshore gas supply (since January 2023) and electricity supply and renewable energy (since January 2024) from federal bodies like Suruhanjaya Tenaga (ST) Malaysia and the Sustainable Energy Development Authority (SEDA). ECoS has direct oversight of licensing, approvals, and policy execution, streamlining processes and potentially boosting investor confidence in the state's energy sector in Sabah. [2] Driving Renewable Energy Development: ECoS will increase Sabah's renewable energy mix. The target is over 50% capacity by 2035 and 80% by 2050. This will be in line with Malaysia's National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR). [3] Securing, Sustainable, Affordable, and Accessible Energy: ECoS' vision is to deliver secure, sustainable, affordable, and accessible energy for Sabah. [4] Providing Consumer Protection and Safety: ECoS actively undertakes initiatives to protect consumer interests. [5] Economic Growth and Job Creation, ECoS will develop a vibrant sustainable energy sector and will generate employments for Sabahans. [6] Attracting local and foreign direct investments. [7] Developing skills for Sabahans, especially young Sabahans in the energy sector. [8] Promoting regional corporation, especially Sarawak. ECoS has achieved most of its above objectives within its short existence. All these objectives, though will take a bit of time, will elevate Sabah's economic performance to the forefront once again. ECoS is Epitome of 'Rumah Kita, Kita Jaga.' Hajiji's Success Template for GLCs and Agencies. In addition to Hajiji's GLC successful templates, ECoS is an excellent showcase for GLCs and Agencies. Sabah can be great again when other GLCs and agencies follow their examples. No more Sabah's power problems falling on deaf ears. Sabah has complete control of our destiny in power generation. ECoS is the living testimony that Sabahans can solve Sabah's fundamental problems. We do not need to beg or run to others. ECoS has proven that Sabahans can do it, can do it fast, can do it better. With Nasser's all Sabahan ECoS team, Sabah has moved fast to solve the 40-year-old power problems. They have a sense of urgency to solve the power needs of Sabah because they are Sabahans! ECoS can approve power generation within months, not years, certainly not decades. In Nasser's all-Sabahan ECoS team, we can confidently say to ourselves 'Rumah Kita, Kita Jaga Baik Baik' WITH PRIDE. The views expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of the Daily Express. If you have something to share, write to us at: [email protected]
Daily Express
17 hours ago
- Daily Express
Review SST implementation: MCA Libaran Chief
Published on: Sunday, June 29, 2025 Published on: Sun, Jun 29, 2025 Text Size: Datuk Chin Kim Hiung SANDAKAN: The MCA Libaran Division has called on Prime Minister and Finance Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to review the implementation of the new Sales and Service Tax (SST), set to take effect on July 1. The division argued that expanding the list of taxable goods to over 4,000 items would further burden the public, particularly low-income earners already struggling with high living costs. MCA Libaran Chief, Datuk Chin Kim Hiung made the remarks while commenting on motions raised during the division's Annual General Meeting on Friday. Chin clarified that the new SST rates include 5 percent (%) or 10% tax on non-essential goods, while basic necessities such as food, medicine, and construction materials remain exempt. 'However, we urge the government to ensure that daily essentials are not subjected to additional taxes to prevent further increases in the cost of living,' he stressed. MCA Libaran also pressed the Sabah State Government to ensure fuel prices are maintained—especially diesel and RON95—to avoid burdening industries and the public. Current fuel prices (June 2025): RON95: RM2.05/liter (unchanged) Diesel (Sabah/Sarawak/Labuan): RM2.15/litre 'Fuel subsidies should remain a right for Sabahans and together with subsides from SST collected from Sabah, be used to support infrastructure development, such as water supply, electricity, and roads,' said Chin. He further demanded that Sabah's petroleum tax revenue, which reached RM7.36 billion as of March 2025, be reallocated to the state for development purposes. 'Sufficient allocations must be given to the Sabah State Government to ensure proper implementation of basic infrastructure projects,' he emphasised. When asked by the media about seat distribution for the 17th Sabah State Election, Chin, who is also MCA Sabah Treasurer, stated that MCA would discuss the matter with Sabah Barisan Nasional (BN). 'We will respect BN Sabah's decision to maintain the spirit of unity within the coalition,' he said. In the 2020 state election, MCA Sabah contested four state seats: Likas, Kapayan, Elopura, and Karamunting. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Daily Express
19 hours ago
- Daily Express
If Sarawak can, Sabah can: SAPP
Published on: Sunday, June 29, 2025 Published on: Sun, Jun 29, 2025 Text Size: Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) Deputy President Datuk Richard Yong We Kong Kota Kinabalu: Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) Deputy President Datuk Richard Yong We Kong called on Sabahans to take ownership of their future as the State Assembly is set to dissolve automatically by Nov. 11, paving the way for the state election. The SAPP Sec-Gen said the election presents an important opportunity for the people to strengthen state autonomy and ensure Sabah's direction remains in the hands of its own people. Speaking at the joint annual meeting of the SAPP Kepayan and Moyog Constituency Liaison Committees in Penampang, Yong, who is a Deputy Speaker, believes the future of Sabah must be decided by Sabahans themselves. 'This is a critical moment. We must defend our sovereignty and ensure the key to our future remains in our own hands,' he said. Citing neighbour Sarawak, Yong pointed to its achievements in financial independence. 'Sarawak has stood firm in asserting its rights. It recorded RM14.1 billion in revenue for 2024, more than double Sabah's RM6.4 billion. It has established its own sovereign wealth fund and is introducing free education. This shows what's possible when a state holds control over its finances.' In contrast, he laments Sabah still relies heavily on federal allocations and has yet to realise the 40 per cent net revenue return promised under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). Despite five changes in the federal leadership, he said, progress on MA63 has remained elusive. He also called on Sabahans to closely follow the Sabah Law Society's legal action which goes to trial on July 7, seeking to enforce the 40 per cent revenue entitlement. 'If successful, just from inland revenue alone, this could mean at least RM2 billion more for Sabah,' he said. 'What matters most is that Sabah's future is decided by Sabahans who are truly committed to defending our rights. We cannot hand the key to outsiders,' he stressed. SAPP Kepayan CLC Chairman Datuk Chong Pit Fah said the annual meeting carried special weight with the state election looming, describing it as a time for serious reflection on Sabah's future. He drew comparisons to Sarawak's firm stance on oil royalties, federal allocations and control over its own media. 'Everything Sarawak asked for has been delivered, step by step. Today, Sarawak is wealthier than Putrajaya. If we in Sabah want the same outcome, the only way forward is to vote for local parties,' Chong said. He said SAPP, which pulled out of Barisan Nasional in 2008, was the first to openly champion the Sabah autonomy movement and has consistently defended state rights. 'In recent times, some peninsula-based parties have started claiming they too support autonomy. But these are empty words designed to confuse the public and blur the facts,' he said. 'True autonomy means we no longer have to fly across the South China Sea just to ask what is rightfully ours.' He urged Sabahans to stop believing the notion that such aspirations are impossible. 'Sarawak has already proven otherwise. Blindly following others will only lead to confusion, and in the end, all we'll be left with are more taxes.' * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
