These discounts are set to end at the end of this month.

They expect electricity consumption to be higher following the implementation of the two-week total lockdown.

Deputy president of the Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) Mohd Yusof Abdul Rahman said it was unfair for electricity discounts to be only given to the industrial sector.

He said the government must provide rebates for electricity bills like it did during the first movement control order (MCO 1.0), which was said to be stricter.

Despite the stricter restrictions back then, people’s welfare was better taken care of, he added.

“We are forced to stay home for longer hours and some have to work from home, increasing electricity consumption. We are also unsure how long this lockdown will last,” he told FMT.

Under the Prihatin Rakyat economic package during MCO1.0, Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) customers were given discounts ranging from 2% to 50% from April 1, 2020 to Dec 31, 2020.

The rebate was extended under the Permai economic package to all domestic and non-domestic TNB customers at a rate of 2 sen per kw/h, which is equivalent to a 9% discount, for six months from Jan 1, 2021 until June 30, 2021.

However, under the Pemerkasa package announced by the prime minister last week, discounts will only apply to affected sectors, such as tourism and hotels. These sectors will be entitled to a 10% discount for three months until September.

Consumers’ Association of Penang (CAP) president Mohideen Abdul Kader said domestic users should be given priority for discounts in their electricity bills.

“The affected sectors are already operating at minimum capacity. For those told to close during the lockdown, these discounts do not mean much to them.”