(Kuala Lumpur, 10th) Malaysia's introduction of a new electricity tariff mechanism not only signifies a policy shift but also ushers in a smarter mode of household electricity usage. Users can monitor their electricity consumption in real-time through smart meters and freely manage their energy usage with the 'Time-of-Use' (ToU) scheme.
With the implementation of Tenaga Nasional Berhad's (TNB) Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) plan, the nationwide installation of smart meters is accelerating, and more and more users are experiencing more accurate electricity monitoring and more flexible energy management.
This smart meter upgrade plan is expected to cover around 10.4 million households in Peninsular Malaysia starting from 2028. Users can view daily and half-hourly electricity data via the myTNB app and website portal.
With the implementation of Tenaga Nasional Berhad's (TNB) Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) plan, the nationwide installation of smart meters is accelerating, and more and more users are experiencing more accurate electricity monitoring and more flexible energy management.
This smart meter upgrade plan is expected to cover around 10.4 million households in Peninsular Malaysia starting from 2028. Users can view daily and half-hourly electricity data via the myTNB app and website portal.
According to TNB's official website, the smart meter is a digital device that records electricity consumption and automatically transmits the data to TNB via secure wireless radio frequency communication. This enables accurate billing, daily consumption tracking, and more efficient energy management.
Although countries like the United States, UK, Japan, and China have already adopted smart meters, Malaysia remains a regional leader in Southeast Asia. However, public concerns about billing, health, and privacy misunderstandings still persist.
Although countries like the United States, UK, Japan, and China have already adopted smart meters, Malaysia remains a regional leader in Southeast Asia. However, public concerns about billing, health, and privacy misunderstandings still persist.
However, this is not true. Smart meters do not increase electricity bills; on the contrary, they provide more accurate and frequent readings that reflect actual energy consumption and do not affect electricity rates or billing standards.
Through the myTNB app, users can not only view daily electricity usage and set monthly electricity budgets, but also make informed decisions, managing energy costs more effectively than traditional or electromechanical meters.
For 78-year-old retiree Yao Hengli (transliterated) of Subang Jaya, Selangor, this device allows him to track energy consumption and set budgets anytime through the app, thus managing usage efficiently.
"Now, I just check the 'Energy Budget' feature in the app. It's much more convenient than having to manually check the meter outside."
Another common misconception is that smart meters collect or store personal information, but actually, the device only records usage, timestamps, and power quality, and not personal data.
"Now, I just check the 'Energy Budget' feature in the app. It's much more convenient than having to manually check the meter outside."
Another common misconception is that smart meters collect or store personal information, but actually, the device only records usage, timestamps, and power quality, and not personal data.
Additionally, smart meters do not pose health risks. The device is certified by SIRIM (Standards and Industrial Research Institute of Malaysia) and regulated by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to ensure compliance with national safety and data protection standards.
Azman Mohd Ali, a 64-year-old retiree from Ampang, recalls his initial worries: "At first, I'd heard that smart meters might be harmful to health, but their electromagnetic levels are actually much lower than wireless networks. With SIRIM and MCMC certifications, I feel more confident about their safety."
Furthermore, smart meters cannot monitor users, nor can they act as surveillance tools, as the device itself does not have cameras or microphones.
Smart meters cannot see, hear, or record any personal activity; rather, the device only transmits encrypted usage data to the electricity supplier, which users can view via the myTNB app or online portal.
Although some customers worry that the installation process might affect their daily lives, the process is designed to be fast and convenient, causing minimal disruption.
Shashikala Kingadurai, a 41-year-old executive from Bandar Parkland in Klang, thinks the installation process for the smart meter was very smooth and caused no inconvenience.
"We initially thought replacing the meter would be troublesome, but we were just asked to turn off our home appliances, and the TNB contractor began installation. In less than a week, I was able to view my electricity data through the app."
ToU is not exclusive to current smart meter users; all registered TNB users can switch to ToU tariffs, provided an activated smart meter is installed at home.
For customers who do not yet have a smart meter, installation and activation may take up to two months, while changes to tariff plan contracts will be completed within five working days.
Smart meters are not just an upgrade but a revolutionary innovation, helping Malaysians track energy usage, avoid bill surprises, and make wiser daily choices; whether switching to ToU or seeking more control, take charge right now, starting with every kilowatt-hour.
For more details, visit https://www.mytnb.com.my/smart-meter .
Azman Mohd Ali, a 64-year-old retiree from Ampang, recalls his initial worries: "At first, I'd heard that smart meters might be harmful to health, but their electromagnetic levels are actually much lower than wireless networks. With SIRIM and MCMC certifications, I feel more confident about their safety."
Furthermore, smart meters cannot monitor users, nor can they act as surveillance tools, as the device itself does not have cameras or microphones.
Smart meters cannot see, hear, or record any personal activity; rather, the device only transmits encrypted usage data to the electricity supplier, which users can view via the myTNB app or online portal.
Although some customers worry that the installation process might affect their daily lives, the process is designed to be fast and convenient, causing minimal disruption.
Shashikala Kingadurai, a 41-year-old executive from Bandar Parkland in Klang, thinks the installation process for the smart meter was very smooth and caused no inconvenience.
"We initially thought replacing the meter would be troublesome, but we were just asked to turn off our home appliances, and the TNB contractor began installation. In less than a week, I was able to view my electricity data through the app."
ToU is not exclusive to current smart meter users; all registered TNB users can switch to ToU tariffs, provided an activated smart meter is installed at home.
For customers who do not yet have a smart meter, installation and activation may take up to two months, while changes to tariff plan contracts will be completed within five working days.
Smart meters are not just an upgrade but a revolutionary innovation, helping Malaysians track energy usage, avoid bill surprises, and make wiser daily choices; whether switching to ToU or seeking more control, take charge right now, starting with every kilowatt-hour.
For more details, visit https://www.mytnb.com.my/smart-meter .