KUCHING: The people in Sarawak have been enjoying between five and 25 per cent discount on their electricity bills since April last year as part of the state government's initiative to help the people.
State's Utilities Minister Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said the discount introduced under the Bantuan Khas Sayangku Sarawak (BKSS) aid packages since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, has benefited 647,000 consumers from the domestic, commercial and industrial sectors.
"The discount has been extended until December this year, which is expected to cost the Sarawak government RM583 million in total (from April 2020 – Dec 2021)," he said.
He said the government realised that many households were facing difficulties in meeting their basic needs including paying their utility bills as many were affected because of the movement control order (MCO) and other restrictions.
He said that although Sarawak's water and electricity tariffs are already among the lowest in the country, the electricity and water supply agencies have put in place additional initiatives to help the people. Those who have difficulty in paying their bills can also utilise Sarawak Energy's flexible payment plan for a more affordable monthly payment.
"Besides, the state government has lowered the electricity tariff rate in Sarawak twice in the past few years, allowing the domestic consumers to enjoy affordable electricity tariff, which is about 40 per cent lower than the Peninsula," he said in a statement today.
"We will continue to ensure that Sarawakians benefit from an efficient tariff structure that is fair and equitable to the consumers and reflects the actual cost of supply to the various consumer groups."
As for water supply, Rundi said, the government has also offered discounts between 10 and 25 per cent, which has benefited about 647,000 residential, commercial, and industrial consumers.
The discount for water bills totalling RM32.1 million from July to December this year will be borne by the Sarawak government.
He said the Sarawak government continues to put the people first by focusing on efforts to alleviate the economic burden of the people during this challenging period.
"We remain positive that with the rollout of the Covid-19 vaccination programme, coupled with the embarking of the post Covid-19 development strategy, we are beginning on our road to recovery from various devastating impacts due to the pandemic," he added.
