KUCHING: There is no change to electricity and water tariffs in Sarawak, said Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi.
According to the Deputy Minister for Utilities and Telecommunications (Utility), the rates have been the same for the past five to six years.
“However, if anyone in the community finds that their electricity bills have skyrocketed, they can make a complaint to Sesco and Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB),” he said after officiating at the Agenda Nasional Malaysia Sihat (ANMS) Kuching 2022 programme at Mydin Bandar Baru Samariang, today (Aug 21).
He added that the subsidy provided by the Sarawak government will continue this year but was not sure what will happen next year.
“I’m not sure what will happen in 2023 because I am still waiting for information regarding the issue,” he said.
Deputy Premier Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian had previously informed that the Sarawak government will introduce the Sarawakku Sayang Special Assistance Package (BKSS) 9.0 in the near future to reduce the burden of the people who faced with inflationary pressures.
He said, the BKSS 9.0 also involves helping dependents of electricity and water utilities. Under the previous BKSS 8.0, monthly electricity bill discounts were given to domestic, commercial and industrial users who enjoyed a discount of 5 to 25 per cent of the monthly bill for a period of six months until June 30.
In addition, commercial and industrial users also enjoy a 10 to 25 per cent discount on their monthly water bills. Besides that, Abdul Rahman explained the development of the Sarawak Alternative Water Supply (Sawas) project’s first and second phase has reached 40 to 45 per cent completion.
“The third, fourth and fifth phases will be carried out in stages in 2022, 2023 and 2024.
“We have also redoubled our efforts to achieve project targets in rural areas, especially in the border area between Sarawak and Kalimantan,” he added.
