(Bandar Seri Begawan, 2nd) The recent persistent hot weather has led to a surge in household electricity consumption. Many residents have had no choice but to use air conditioning more frequently to cope with the heat, resulting in a significant increase in electricity expenses.
According to reports in the local English newspapers, some households, in order to avoid sudden power outages late at night or early in the morning, have chosen to top up their electricity prepaid balances earlier to ensure an uninterrupted air-conditioning supply.
Resident Hajirah King admitted during an interview that her family’s monthly electricity usage was usually within reasonable limits, but in recent months, due to the sweltering weather and to care for young children at home, she has had to keep the air conditioning on for extended periods.
“We used to only turn on the fan during the day and only switched on the air conditioner after 9 p.m. Now, we almost need to use it all day long, which is really unbearable,” she said.
Another full-time housewife, Abia, also pointed out that she used to turn off the air conditioner when her family went out, but now with the unbearable heat, even when home alone, she must keep the air conditioning on all day, causing her to top up her electricity balance frequently.
“I can no longer stand the stuffiness, and since my kids need a cool environment when they return home from school, the air conditioning is almost never turned off,” she said helplessly.
In addition, resident Rostini mentioned that, to ensure her family could enjoy a cool environment the moment they returned home, she would inform her maid in advance to turn on the air conditioning in the rooms.
“If we don’t do this, the rooms get as hot as an oven. We really don’t have any other choice, but we also have to pay attention to our electricity bills and can’t spend too much,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Malaysian Meteorological Department issued an alert, stating that three areas in Peninsular Malaysia and nine locations in Sarawak have already entered level one of the tropical heat warning stage. The public is reminded to keep cool, stay hydrated, and pay attention to household electrical safety.