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The Star
19 hours ago
- Business
- The Star
Warisan urges explanation of ‘hidden' tariff hikes in Sabah
Warisan Kota Kinabalu division information chief Samuel Wong has called for transparency over Sabah's electricity tariff structure, alleging hidden rate hikes under the tiered billing system. KOTA KINABALU: The city's Warisan branch has urged the state government to address what it claims are hidden electricity tariff hikes in Sabah through a quietly restructured tiered billing system. Its information chief, Samuel Wong said that although the state recently announced a six-month waiver of the electricity surcharge under the Imbalance Cost Pass-Through (ICPT) mechanism, Sabahans are still experiencing rising bills due to a more complicated and punishing tier structure. 'The government says there's no surcharge, but our bills tell a different story. What Sabahans are facing is a hidden tariff hike, not through official announcements, but via subtle changes to how electricity usage is charged,' he said in a statement. He explained that in 2022, there were five usage tiers ranging from RM0.175 to RM0.450 per 100 units. However, by 2025, the structure expanded to seven tiers, with a new highest rate of RM0.470 per 100 units. 'This expansion and reshuffling of thresholds means ordinary households are now more likely to hit the highest rate even with moderate usage. It's a disguised price hike,' he said. Wong contrasted Sabah's situation with upcoming reforms in Peninsular Malaysia, where the tiered system will be scrapped by July 2025 in favour of real-time tariff reviews based on actual fuel prices and foreign exchange rates. 'The peninsula is seeing meaningful reform. What about us in Sabah? Is the GRS-Pakatan Harapan government even trying to fight for a fair deal for us?' he asked. He also urged the government to abolish the 8% Sales and Service Tax (SST) imposed on residential electricity usage, calling it a burden on essential needs. 'Electricity is essential. Why are we taxing families who are already overpaying under a broken system?' he said. Wong called on Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB) and the state government to fully disclose the current tariff structure and present a clear roadmap for reform. 'Sabahans have paid more than enough. We need answers, we need reform, and we need action now,' he said.
Daily Express
29-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Express
Step up checks on dangerous new piao piao vape: Warisan
Published on: Thursday, May 29, 2025 Published on: Thu, May 29, 2025 Text Size: Samuel claimed that piao piao is circulating through illegal vape sellers and unregulated online platforms, making pre-emptive action essential. - FMT pic (right) for illustration only. Kota Kinabalu: Kota Kinabalu Warisan Information Chief Samuel Wong called for stricter inspections on vape shops, nightlife venues and border checkpoints to prevent a dangerous new vaping substance known as piao piao from entering Sabah. He made the call following viral videos from Peninsular Malaysia showing users suffering severe reactions, including seizures, loss of bodily control and even fatalities. In one case, a 50-year-old man in Johor died after allegedly using a vape laced with the synthetic drug. 'This is a serious threat,' said Samuel, in a statement, Wednesday. 'Sabah has no reported cases yet, but without stronger enforcement, it is only a matter of time before this deadly substance reaches our communities,' he said. He claimed that piao piao is circulating through illegal vape sellers and unregulated online platforms, making pre-emptive action essential. Advertisement 'We must tighten checks now at shops, clubs and borders before this drug infiltrates our State,' he said. Samuel urged the public, especially young people, against taking the risks, saying 'Do not try it, not even once. It is not worth risking your life. Think of your family and your future.' 'We hope Sabah stays untouched by this wave. But hope alone is not enough, we need swift action from the authorities and personal responsibility from every citizen,' he said. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
