In a joint statement, seven business associations said this was a sharp increase compared with the year before, involving similar electricity usage.

They lamented that the sudden surge in energy prices was a “hit below the belt”, considering how these sectors were among the hardest hit by the Covid-19 pandemic and had to deal with the new minimum wage of RM1,500.

“Hence, we would like to sincerely urge the government to provide a moratorium for the new electricity tariffs to all commercial users until the end of 2023 so as to provide us time to recover.

“This constant and increasing pressure towards our businesses, at a time when Malaysia is stepping up tourism efforts, is taking its toll as we are unable to operate efficiently and effectively.

“We hope to hear a favourable response soon and we are always open for talks with the ministry for the overall betterment of the industry in Malaysia,” they said.

The groups that signed the statement were the Malaysia Shopping Malls Association, Bumiputera Retailers Organisation, Malaysian Association of Theme Parks & Family Attractions, Association of Hotels, Malaysia Budget and Business Hotel Association, Malaysia Retailers Association, and Malaysian Association of Hotel Owners.

Previously, the Energy Commission said electricity costs had increased by 45% because of higher prices of coal, on which the peninsula is highly dependent.

In March last year, retailers had urged Putrajaya to stop the electricity surcharge imposed on commercial and industrial users from Feb 1, 2022, failing which they would be forced to pass it on to consumers by raising prices.