PETALING JAYA: Opposition MP Azman Nasrudin has urged the Energy Commission to review a sudden electricity tariff hike affecting businesses at the Kulim Hi-Tech Park (KHTP), warning that such abrupt increases could disrupt industry operations and deter investors.
Azman (PN-Padang Serai) emphasized that businesses should be given adequate time to adjust to tariff changes, rather than facing unexpected cost surges. He called on the government to direct the Energy Commission to review the issue to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
“This kind of action stifles economic growth and sends the wrong signal to investors. Malaysia will be seen as a country where sudden policy shifts occur without proper consultation,” he said while debating the king’s speech in the Dewan Rakyat today.
Yesterday, FMT reported that businesses in KHTP were outraged by the unexpected hike, with some warning that it could cripple investments and make Malaysia less attractive to high-tech industries.
As of Jan 1, electricity costs for KHTP companies surged by up to 21%, with tenants receiving notification of the increase only on Dec 31, 2024—just a day before the new rates took effect.
The Kulim Hi-Tech Park Industrial Tenants Association (Kita) and the Malaysia Semiconductor Industry Association (MSIA) have both called for urgent intervention. Kita president Chong Nee Hwa has requested a six-month moratorium before the new rates are enforced, while MSIA has urged the government to review the tariff increase, implement relief measures, and hold an emergency stakeholder meeting.
Electricity at KHTP is supplied by NUR Power, a private utility company with exclusive generation and distribution rights within the park, meaning industrial tenants do not receive power from Tenaga Nasional Berhad.
A senior executive at one affected company reported a 19% rise in electricity costs, significantly impacting their operational expenses. Another industry player expressed concerns that future tariff hikes could be imposed without prior consultation.
