23/06/2025

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Lower electricity bills from July under new tariff reforms

Philippines to build on Malaysia’s Asean chairmanship KUALA LUMPUR: The Philippines has reaffirmed its commitment to building on Malaysia’s Asean chairmanship as it prepares to assume leadership of the regional bloc in 2026, with a particular focus on strengthening regional economic cooperation and promoting unity on global issues. Philippine Ambassador to Malaysia Maria Angela A. Ponce said her country recognises the importance of working closely with Malaysia to ensure continuity and advance the bloc’s shared goals. “Malaysia’s chairmanship is very strong, and it is important to work closely with it to carry forward the initiatives it has put in place so that we are able to advance as we prepare for our own chairmanship,” she told Bernama during celebrations marking the 127th anniversary of Philippine Independence. Ponce said the Philippines is developing the theme and priorities for its Asean chairmanship, which will guide the focus of meetings and initiatives during its leadership next year. “We are not working in a vacuum. What we want to do is build on the accomplishments and initiatives that Malaysia has undertaken during its chairmanship. “If you start without that context and continuity, it is difficult to achieve much within just one year,” she said. Malaysia, which holds the Asean chairmanship this year under the theme “Inclusivity and Sustainability”, has emphasised commitments to peace, security, stability and prosperity through an inclusive and sustainable framework. Ponce said the Philippines aims to align its preparations with these ongoing efforts to ensure momentum is maintained. Putrajaya proposes stronger trade ties within OIC KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has proposed the expansion of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Trade Preferential System and the reduction of trade barriers to strengthen economic ties among member states. The proposal was presented by Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan during Malaysia’s national statement at the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers meeting on Saturday. Mohamad said OIC, as the world’s second-largest intergovernmental organisation, holds vast potential for strategic economic partnership. He cited the inaugural Asean–Gulf Cooperation Council–China Summit led by Malaysia in May as a key milestone in regional cooperation, adding that it paved the way for a new historic economic partnership. “Malaysia believes that this can support developing states in circumventing the impacts of the US–China trade war,” he said. High-level representatives from nearly 30 international organisations, including the United Nations, Arab League, Developing Eight, International Organisation for Migration and World Trade Organisation were present, underscoring the urgency of current regional and global challenges. – Bernama

o About 85% of consumers to benefit from regulation amendments, with no hike for low-usage households

play a crucial role in addressing issues involving journalistic ethics. He said although the council structure is still being finalised, it is expected to serve as the best platform to handle media related misconduct. He also addressed the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission’s (MCMC) civil lawsuit against two Telegram channels, Edisi Siasat and Edisi Khas , for allegedly spreading content that undermines public trust and order. Marking MCMC’s first legal action against a social media platform provider, the High Court has issued an interim injunction to halt further dissemination of the disputed content. Telegram is expected to present its defence according to legal and human rights principles. “This is now under civil court consideration. I advise members of the media to refer to MCMC’s official statement,” Fahmi said.

“entirely false” and “slanderous”. He was responding to an online infographic and news report alleging that Mohd Khalid had political ties. “I was quite shocked by the publication of such an inaccurate graphic. I have never seen Datuk Seri Khalid at any party event, meeting or congress. This is very serious slander,” Fahmi said after attending the Kita Madani 2025 Carnival at IWK Eco Park. PKR secretary-general Dr Fuziah Salleh also clarified that Mohd Khalid has never been a PKR member nor held any role in the party, and criticised the media outlet responsible for potentially damaging the IGP’s credibility and public trust in national institutions. The publication has since issued a public apology, stating that the incorrect information was published unintentionally. Fahmi also underscored the importance of the Malaysian Media Council, saying it could

Ű BY KIRTINEE RAMESH newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s show of solidarity with Iran, following reported US airstrikes on Iranian territory under US President Donald Trump’s directive, could significantly recalibrate the country’s diplomatic posture amid escalating global tensions, according to international relations experts. International Islamic University Malaysia international law expert Assoc Prof Dr Mohd Yazid Zul Kepli said the move places Malaysia in a complex but familiar diplomatic space. “Malaysia’s expression of solidarity with Iran could yield mixed outcomes for its international image and role. This solidarity stems from humanitarian principles and respect for national sovereignty, not an endorsement of conflict or aggression,” he told theSun . While reaffirming Malaysia’s non-alignment policy, Mohd Yazid added that such a stance might draw cautious responses from some Asean member states. “The region generally seeks to avoid involvement in major power rivalries in order to preserve unity and stability,” he said. He added that Malaysia’s position could prompt subtle shifts in engagement with Western powers, particularly in trade, security and technology cooperation with the US and the European Union. Conversely, he said the move may strengthen KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysians can expect a reduction in their electricity bills beginning next month, following key reforms under the Fourth Regulatory Period (RP4: 2025–2027), said Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil. The reforms, introduced in collaboration with the Energy Transition and Water Transformation Ministry, Energy Commission and Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), have resulted in a 19% cut in base electricity tariffs from earlier projections, a move Fahmi described as a reflection of the government’s commitment to meaningful structural changes that directly benefit the people. Starting July 1, about 85% of TNB customers, particularly those using 1,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) or less each month, will experience no increase or even a decrease in their bills. Fahmi said one of the driving mechanisms behind the reduction is the Time of Use programme, which encourages households to shift energy-intensive activities such as cooking and laundry to off-peak hours, ultimately promoting energy efficiency. He added that the initiative aligns with the National Energy Transition Roadmap, which targets increased adoption of renewable energy and lower carbon emissions by 2050. On a separate matter, Fahmi dismissed claims linking newly appointed Inspector General of Police (IGP) Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail to PKR, calling the allegations Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Fahmi engaging with the public during the carnival. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN

‘Solidarity with Iran may shift diplomatic posture’

abandoned that agenda over a decade ago and is now focused on peaceful nuclear energy, particularly for electricity generation,” he said. He added that Malaysia’s support for Iran is grounded in the belief that Iran is pursuing a legitimate and peaceful direction, warranting moral and diplomatic support. On the broader implications for Malaysia and Southeast Asia, Azmi pointed to rising oil prices and the volatility of global shipping routes. “Oil prices have already shown an upward trend over the past week. With direct US involvement and Iran reportedly issuing warnings over nuclear facilities in the Middle East, tensions are clearly escalating,” he said. While Iran has not moved to block the Strait of Hormuz – a key global oil shipping route – Azmi warned that such an action, combined with increasing threats in the Red Sea, could push oil prices to US$100 per barrel (RM425). “If that happens, it could severely impede global economic growth and exert significant pressure on global supply chains. This wouldn’t only affect the US, the consequences would be felt worldwide,” he said. The situation escalated after US President Donald Trump announced yesterday that the US military had launched a “very successful attack” on three Iranian nuclear sites, indicating American involvement in Israel’s air campaign against Tehran and further fuelling the ongoing Iran–Israel conflict.

Malaysia’s standing within the Muslim world. “This principled stand enhances Malaysia’s credibility as an advocate of humanitarian values and sovereignty, potentially deepening ties with nations that share similar perspectives.” However, he warned that if the Iran-Israel conflict intensifies, Malaysia could face economic and security implications, including potential disruption to oil supply routes and heightened concerns over regional extremism. Nonetheless, he noted potential benefits. “Malaysia could elevate its role in peace diplomacy and may even benefit from rising commodity prices such as palm oil and natural gas. This situation also calls for a reassessment of our military readiness and collective security mechanisms.” Echoing these sentiments, Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research senior fellow Dr Azmi Hassan said Malaysia has consistently upheld a neutral stance in superpower conflicts. “Malaysia’s expression of solidarity with Iran is appropriate. The US–Iran issue is fundamentally a bilateral matter. If the US imposes sanctions, we can still trade with Iran, just as we have with Russia,” he said. “In layman’s terms – your problem, not ours.” Azmi also dismissed widespread concerns about Iran’s nuclear ambitions. “Claims about Iran developing nuclear weapons are largely exaggerated – a smokescreen. Iran