Energy, Water and Communications Minister Datuk Seri Dr Lim Keng Yaik today criticised DAP for harping on the government's decision to raise electricity tariff.

He said the opposition party tried to play up the electricity tariff issue though the people have accepted the government's decision to increase the rates by 12 percent effective June 1.

"On behalf of the ministry and TNB (Tenaga Nasional Bhd), I thank the people for accepting the increase and restructuring of electricity tariff.

"I know only the DAP is making a lot of noise, to them it is a political capital," he was quoted as saying by Bernama.

The Gerakan president said the electricity tariff hike was not an issue as only half of the consumers would be affected by the increase.

He said the people knew that 59 percent of the households would not be affected by the new power tariff structure.

Upgrade TNB's capabilities

Lim said the proceeds from the increase would be used to upgrade TNB's power capabilities and maintenance.

"Even though we've sufficient power supply and a robust system, yet we've many complaints of breakdowns because of lack of funds in maintenance operations.

"The money will be used to refurbish power stations, replace and upgrade old power cables," he added.

The minister said his discussions with TNB for more than a year focused on ways to improve TNB's public delivery system and performance.

"The talks have given birth to the proposed setting up of a special fund to foot the maintenance cost," he added.