PUBLISHED ONApril 01, 2026 7:35 AMBYSean LerAmidst an ongoing heatwave in Malaysia that has resulted in at least 10 dams reporting depleting water levels last week, the country's energy commission says it expects household energy consumption and bills to rise.
Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday (April 1), chief executive officer Siti Safinah Salleh urged Malaysians to conserve electricity and consider the use of solar energy.
She pointed out that hotter weather expected in the coming months could drive up demand, especially for households with air-conditioning.
Siti Safinah said that households with higher energy consumption and larger rooftops should consider installing solar panels to augment their energy needs, adding that market competition have driven down adoption costs.
"There is competition, and companies that offer solar installations offer incentives to their customers," The Star quoted her as saying.
Asked if there are plans to review electricity tariffs, she said there while there are no immediate plans to do so, Malaysia's exposure differs due to its "more diversified" energy mix.
Singapore announced tariff hikes on Tuesday, with Energy Market Authority warning that subsequent quarters are likely to see sharper increases in regulated tariffs for electricity and town gas.
Siti Safinah said: "Our supply mix is different from Singapore. They depend on imported natural gas, so they will see the impact sooner."
Malaysia is a major producer and exporter of liquefied natural gas, but imports coal for power generation.
Siti Safinah added that while Malaysia has been able to secure coal based on existing contracts, prices will eventually rise given increased shipping and insurance costs.
"Therefore, the public needs to be prepared for higher costs. Although our increase may not be as significant as in other countries, there is still an increase," she added.
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