22/06/2025

NATIONAL 3 ON SUNDAY JUNE 22, 2025

New power tariff fair and timely, says Fomca

4.8 million use MyKad to buy essential items GEORGE TOWN: A total of 4.8 million out of 5.4 million recipients of the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) aid have used their MyKad to purchase basic necessities at registered outlets nationwide as of this month. Finance Deputy Minister Lim Hui Ying said Perlis recorded the highest usage rate at 94%, followed by Sabah and Kedah at 93%, while Penang recorded 88%. She said the figures reflect the growing effectiveness of the initiative, supported by ongoing awareness and promotional efforts at both federal and state levels. “The ministry will continue to strengthen awareness campaigns to ensure more people benefit from this government aid, which is aimed at easing their financial burden. “We have also significantly expanded the number of recipients from 700,000 to 5.4 million since April,” she said during a Sara outreach programme at a hypermarket in Penang yesterday. During the event, Lim met 100 Sara recipients as part of the ministry’s efforts to engage directly with urban communities. To date, 3,700 retail outlets have registered under the programme nationwide, enabling recipients to shop closer to home. In Penang, 190 such outlets are available. Lim said the programme was enhanced on May 1 by expanding the list of eligible items to 14 categories, which now include household and personal hygiene products, over-the-counter medicines and school supplies such as uniforms and shoes. She added that the maximum Sara aid for this year has been raised to RM2,100 from RM1,200 – a 75% increase. In total, the combined allocation for the Sara and Rahmah Cash Aid programmes has been raised to RM13 billion this year, the highest cash aid provision in the country’s history. – Bernama TASHKENT: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof arrived in Tashkent, Uzbekistan early yesterday to begin his official working visit to the republic. He was received by Uzbekistan Deputy Minister of Energy Azizkhoja Qobilov. Also present were Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Mohamad Alamin and Malaysia’s Ambassador to Uzbekistan, Ilham Tuah Illias. During his visit, Fadillah is scheduled to pay a courtesy call on President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and hold a meeting with Uzbekistan Minister of Energy, Jurabek Mirzamakhmudov. He will also deliver a keynote address at the United Nations Public Service Forum 2025 in Samarkand, at which he is expected to highlight Malaysia’s best practices and innovations in public service. Fadillah will be in Uzbekistan until June 24 before continuing his working visit to Russia, which will run until June 28. – Bernama DPM arrives in Uzbekistan for official visit

‘Revised regulatory structure lowers costs, rewards efficient use and protects vulnerable groups’

tariffs for the agriculture, water, sanitation and rail sectors. A 10% rebate will remain in place for educational institutions, places of worship and registered welfare homes. Saravanan said replacing the current Imbalance Cost Pass-Through mechanism with the new Automatic Fuel Adjustment system will improve price responsiveness to global fuel and currency fluctuations, but stressed the importance of clear communication on any resulting changes to consumer bills. He also urged the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry to intensify enforcement against unjustified price increases in essential goods that may be linked to the tariff changes. “Fomca will continue to monitor the implementation closely and advocate ongoing consumer engagement, education and regulatory enforcement to maximise the impact of this policy reform,” he said. The Energy Commission announced that from July 1, over 23.6 million domestic users in Peninsular Malaysia will benefit from a fairer and more progressive electricity tariff structure under the RP4 schedule, which includes changes to the average base tariff, overall structure and fuel cost adjustment mechanism, implemented through the IBR framework.

KUALA LUMPUR: The Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) has voiced full support for the new electricity tariff structure under Regulatory Period 4 (RP4), describing it as timely, progressive and beneficial for Malaysian households. Fomca CEO Dr T. Saravanan said the new tariff, which will be implemented from July 1 to Dec 31, 2027, under the Incentive-Based Regulation (IBR) framework, 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 told Bernama. The revised structure reduces the average base tariff from 45.62 sen per kilowatt hour (kWh) to 45.4 sen/kWh, contributing to an estimated 19% reduction in total average electricity costs compared with the previous regulatory period. Saravanan said although the reduction may appear marginal, it is backed by structural reforms that offer greater protection to domestic users, particularly those in the B40 and M40 income groups. PETALING JAYA: On this year’s World Refugee Day, the Malaysian Bar has reaffirmed its commitment to standing in solidarity with refugees in Malaysia and around the world. Observed annually on June 20, World Refugee Day 2025 carries the theme Solidarity with Refugees, underscoring the urgent need for compassion, protection and meaningful legal reform for displaced communities. “Globally, over 100 million people have been forcibly displaced due to war, persecution, violence and human rights violations,” said Malaysian Bar president Mohamad Ezri Abdul Wahab. He said Malaysia hosts a significant refugee and asylum-seeker population, many of whom live without legal recognition or access to basic rights such as education, healthcare and employment. “Despite facing immense challenges, refugee communities in Malaysia continue to demonstrate resilience and strength. “Many contribute to local society through informal education programmes, community initiatives, skills development and humanitarian outreach – efforts that reflect the spirit of this year’s theme,” he said in a statement. However, legal and systemic barriers remain. Refugees in Malaysia are not formally recognised under domestic law, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation, arbitrary arrest and detention. In light of these challenges, Mohamad Ezri called for urgent and meaningful reforms to uphold the rights and dignity of refugees and asylum-seekers. Ű BY KIRTINEE RAMESH newsdesk@thesundaily.com

He highlighted the introduction of the Energy Efficiency Incentive, which exempts households consuming 1,000 kWh or less per month from any tariff increase, rewarding energy efficiency and encouraging responsible consumption. “The updated structure also features 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, thereby enhancing trust and encouraging more mindful energy use,” he said. The expanded Time of Use scheme now covers weekends and off-peak weekday hours from 10pm to 2pm the following day, allowing users to save more by shifting high-consumption activities to these periods. Fomca also welcomed continued protection for vulnerable groups, including the RM40 monthly rebate for hardcore poor households under the e-Kasih programme as well as dedicated

Malaysian Bar renews call for refugee rights

Refugees in Malaysia are not formally recognised under domestic law, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation, arbitrary arrest and detention. – AFPPIC

that support integration and uphold the dignity of displaced persons. “As officers of the court and advocates for justice, the Malaysian Bar remains steadfast in its commitment to defending the rights of marginalised and vulnerable communities. “True solidarity with refugees goes beyond compassion. It demands the pursuit of meaningful, rights-based solutions that ensure protection, dignity and inclusion. “On this World Refugee Day, let us reaffirm our shared humanity and strive to build a society in which no one is left behind, regardless of their status or origin,” he said.

“Firstly, the Malaysian Bar urges the enactment of a clear legal and policy framework that recognises the rights of refugees and asylum-seekers in accordance with international standards. “Secondly, we call on the Malaysian government to accede to the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol.” He also stressed the importance of ensuring access to essential services, including legal protection, healthcare, education and lawful employment for all refugees and asylum-seekers. In addition, the Malaysian Bar advocates community engagement and partnerships