THE government is looking at removing the electricity subsidy for big companies but any increase in tariff will not impact small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) or the people, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said today.

The focus is only on multinational corporations (MNCs) and the super-rich, he said after chairing a cabinet meeting today.

He said details on the matter will be announced by the natural resources, environment and climate change minister.

“This (electricity) subsidy will not be given to multinational conglomerates, but (is meant) for SMEs, food production and agricultural companies, and the public… they will not be affected at all by any increase in tariff,” he said.

“It will also be a gradual, reasonable increase, so we won’t disrupt production and business projections. The details will be announced soon by the minister concerned.”

At present, the government is allocating RM30 billion for electricity subsidy, which is not going to the targeted groups, he said.

Anwar said the government will increase tariff gradually for the super-rich individuals and companies, starting with MNCs and companies that export products.

On another matter, Anwar said he has instructed the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (Fama) to address irregularities in the agricultural marketing sector.

“I’ve instructed Fama to give a full report and undertake adequate measures to reduce this problem,” he said. 

“For instance, last year, there was a huge problem for farmers in Cameron Highlands who had to dispose of their produce because there were no buyers or transport.” – December 14, 2022.