Lifestyle
Malaysia — Living: Utilities
TNB's residential electricity tariff (2026) is tiered: Block 1 (1-200 kWh) 21.80 sen/kWh, Block 2 (201-300 kWh) 33.40 sen/kWh, Block 3 (301-600 kWh) 51.60 sen/kWh, Block 4 (601-900 kWh) 54.60 sen/kWh, Block 5 (901+ kWh) 57.10 sen/kWh, plus a RM3.00 minimum monthly charge. An ICPT surcharge of 3.70 sen/kWh applies January-June 2026 (this turned into a surcharge, from a rebate, in May 2026 due to rising coal/gas costs and low hydro levels). 8% SST applies only to domestic usage above 600 kWh/month — the first 600 kWh is fully SST-exempt. A 1-bedroom apartment with regular AC use typically costs RM150-300/month in electricity. Water tariffs vary by state operator: Air Selangor (Selangor/KL/Putrajaya) charges a 3-tier rate (first 20m³ at RM0.65/m³, next 15m³ at RM1.62/m³, above 35m³ at RM3.51/m³, RM6.50 minimum) — a typical 25m³/month household pays ~RM21.75; Ranhill SAJ (Johor) charges ~RM29.25/month for 25m³. A typical household of 4 uses 20-30m³/month.
Key facts
- TNB electricity: tiered 21.80-57.10 sen/kWh depending on usage block, plus RM3.00 minimum charge.
- 8% SST applies only above 600 kWh/month — first 600 kWh is SST-exempt.
- ICPT surcharge of 3.70 sen/kWh in effect Jan-June 2026 (turned into a surcharge from a rebate in May 2026).
- Water: Air Selangor ~RM21.75/month (25m³); Ranhill SAJ Johor ~RM29.25/month (25m³); typical household uses 20-30m³/month.
Costs
- Electricity, 1-bedroom with regular AC: RM150-300/month
- Water, Air Selangor (25m³): ~RM21.75/month
- Water, Ranhill SAJ Johor (25m³): ~RM29.25/month
Timelines
- ICPT surcharge period: January-June 2026
Common mistakes
- Assuming a single national water tariff — rates vary meaningfully by state operator (Air Selangor vs Ranhill SAJ vs others).