Deputy energy transition and water transformation minister Akmal Nasir said that in 2023, TNB cut the electricity supply for 464,076 accounts involving total outstanding bills of RM945,435,794.07.

“As for September this year, the number of accounts which had their supplies cut rose to 627,491, involving total outstanding bill payments of RM1,800,771,447.78,” he told the Dewan Rakyat.

Akmal said potential reasons for late electricity bill payments included financial difficulties, irresponsible behaviour where registered accounts are not in the name of premise owners, and TNB being the last priority in monthly payment schedules.

He said the five states with the highest number of outstanding electricity bills in 2023 were Selangor, Terengganu, Perak, Pahang, and Negeri Sembilan.

For 2024, he said, the states with the highest number of outstanding electricity bills so far are Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Perak, Johor, and Terengganu.

Akmal was responding to Khoo Poay Tiong (PH-Kota Melaka) who asked about the number of supply disconnection cases by TNB due to unpaid bills, along with the total outstanding amounts, categorised by state and user type, from 2023 to September this year.

Khoo said cases of electricity supply being cut due to unpaid bills could be an indicator of the financial struggles faced by the people, particularly those in the B40 group.

He added that most people would prioritise basic necessities such as food over paying their electricity bills.

Khoo also claimed that TNB was quick to cut electricity supply but slow to reverse the situation. He said some users had complained of having to wait between six and eight months for their supply to be restored.

Akmal said TNB conducted its operations according to established SOPs and that cutting off supply was a last resort as electricity is considered a basic necessity.

He encouraged those facing delays in paying their bills to refer their cases to TNB for an amicable solution, including the possibility of instalment payments.