SERIAN: Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem has indicated that a bill on lowering electricity tariffs for commercial and industrial consumers would be tabled during the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting, scheduled for April 20-29.
He said if passed, this would be the second power tariff reduction for the state after the one slated for domestic users that took effect on Jan 1 this year.
He explained the state government would utilise royalty totalling RM100 million for the state’s hydropower dams to help reduce the burden of the people by bringing down tariff rates.
“We will reduce the power tariffs again – this time for commercial and industrial consumers. If we could build Batang Ai, Bakun, Murum and other dams and give special rates to foreign investors, why can’t we give special tariffs to our own people as well?” he said after launching Pesta Birumuh 2015 at Serian Mini Stadium yesterday.
Adenan, however, did not elaborate on the percentage of reduction and neither did he talk more on the RM100-million royalty. The tariff reductions for domestic consumers across the state range from two per cent to over 40 per cent, effective Jan 1 this year.
The chief minister promised that more good things would come if he were given the mandate to continue leading for the next five year – which might indicate that the next state election was looming.
Adenan pointed out that the ‘good things’ would include pursuing a higher oil and gas royalty from the current five per cent to 20 per cent, despite negotiations with national oil company Petronas had yet to reach any consensus.
“I have just been chief minister for a little over one year. I have done several things in that one year; but give me five more years, I can give more to you.
‘I’m Sarawakian like you. My title is Chief Minister of Sarawak and so shall it be; not chief minister for the Malays, for the Chinese, for the Ibans, or for the Bidayuhs – but for all of you,” he pledged.
Adenan also assured the people on wrapping up discussions to lower ferry fees and toll charges by the end of this year, as well as to reduce the burden of the people who being hit by rising cost of living due to the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) effective April 1 this year.
He explained that the negotiations with ferry companies would be on requesting them to charge only RM1 throughout the state, while ongoing talks with companies charging tolls would be on reducing the rates and eventually, abolishing the toll system.
He hoped that the harmonious lifestyle enjoyed by the people here, irrespective of race and religion, would be preserved for many more generations to come.
“We have been in peace and harmony all these many years. Keep and maintain it that way.
“Don’t follow those in the peninsula who like to quarrel. They should instead learn from us,” he stressed, adding that he would uphold the policy of shutting out extremists and bigots from entering Sarawak, for as long as he was in charge.