The Cabinet’s decision to defer review of the gas price for the electricity sector shows the government’s concern to avoid further burdening the people, said Datuk Dr Ng Keong Chye, Head of Gerakan’s Central Bureau on Public Health and Social Development.

Ng said an increase in price of gas price would mean a corresponding increase in our electricity rates which would have far-reaching consequences on consumers and the industry.

“Gerakan welcomes the government’s decision. During the present global economic crisis, the government should avoid making decisions that can cause a spiraling effect on the daily livelihood of the people,” said Ng, who is also Ketari State Assemblyman

He said currently, most people were paying an average of RM100 to RM200 for electricity at their homes and with the present warm weather, more people would be using air-conditioners and fans.

Ng said increasing electricity rates would also have a big impact on the manufacturing sector, thus inevitably causing prices of goods to increase further.

The Energy, Green Technology and Water Ministry yesterday announced, after a Cabinet meeting, that the government would not review the existing gas price for the electricity sector in peninsula Malaysia until the end of the year.

“After careful deliberation and taking into account the current economic scenario, the government decided that the existing gas price of RM10.70/MMBTu will be retained.”