KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 5 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia closed lower on Friday amid mixed regional market performance as investors turned cautious over a possible rate hike by the Bank of Japan (BOJ) and upcoming US economic data that may influence the Federal Reserve’s (Fed) interest rate decision next week. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) pared most earlier losses to settle 4.55 points easier, or 0.28 per cent, to 1,616.52 from Thursday’s close of 1,621.07. The benchmark index, which opened 0.37 of-a-point lower at 1,620.70, moved between 1,609.67 and 1,621.25 throughout the day. The broader market was negative, with decliners outpacing advancers 604 to 439. A total of 550 counters were unchanged, 1,151 untraded, and 18 suspended. Turnover declined to 3.17 billion units worth RM2.24 billion from 4.48 billion units worth RM2.75 billion yesterday. Rakuten Trade Sdn Bhd vice-presiden...
Tenaga Nasional Bhd (KL:TENAGA) has reintroduced its Merdeka Light Incentive for 2025, offering commercial customers special discounted electricity rates from Aug 1 to Sept 30, in conjunction with Malaysia’s National Day celebrations.
The programme, first launched in 2000, has drawn 1,027 applications as of Aug 15, underscoring steady demand from businesses seeking both cost savings and participation in the Merdeka festivities. Last year, TNB received 1,863 applications.
Tariff Discounts and Eligibility
Under the new electricity tariff restructuring effective July 1, 2025, TNB has improved its offer:
Low-voltage commercial customers: 28.91 sen/kWh (≈57% discount)
Medium-voltage commercial customers: 13.37 sen/kWh (≈45% discount)
Eligible customers include skyscrapers, office buildings, shopping complexes, hotels, petrol stations, and other commercial entities. Requirements:
Must be under general tariff or time-of-use (TOU) categories.
Must have received electricity supply before Aug 1, 2024, with at least one actual bill in May, June, or July 2025.
The calculation is based on additional consumption above the average of the past three months, with rebates reflected in the October 2025 bill under the label “Insentif Sinaran Merdeka”.
Investment & Market Implications
Customer Engagement & CSR Boost:
The programme reinforces TNB’s role in supporting national celebrations while offering tangible cost savings to businesses.
Strong participation may enhance goodwill with commercial clients while boosting TNB’s public image.
Revenue Impact:
The discount programme is time-bound and seasonal, with minimal long-term revenue drag due to its narrow scope and short duration.
The move aligns with tariff restructuring, ensuring TNB maintains profitability despite discounts.
Regulatory & Policy Context:
The initiative reflects TNB’s ongoing alignment with government-led nation-building initiatives.
Investors should watch whether such ad-hoc incentives become more frequent as part of social obligations, potentially adding pressure on cost management.
Bottom Line
TNB’s Merdeka Light Incentive 2025 is symbolic rather than material in financial terms, but it demonstrates the company’s continued balancing act between commercial sustainability and national responsibility. For investors, the focus remains on the impact of July’s tariff restructuring on margins and earnings trajectory rather than seasonal discounts.
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