by TMR / pic credit: tnb.com.my

TENAGA Nasional Bhd (TNB) has started distributing aid via its Tabung Warga TNB Prihatin (WTP) initiative, especially the bottom 40% (B40) group who are adversely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The fund had collected up to RM1.34 million as at June 21, where as much as RM270,000 will be distributed to recipients from various races and religions in Peninsular Malaysia. So far, RM40,000 has been distributed in Kuala Lumpur.

“We believe many who are affected by this pandemic is on survival mode. That is why this aid is distributed as soon as possible, reflecting TNB’s concern as a company that is always on the side of the people,” TNB president and CEO Datuk Baharin Din (picture) said in a statement.

“It is hoped that the contribution will be modest and sincere from the people.

“TNB’s work can ease their burden to some extent,” he added.

The WTP fund was launched on June 9 with the aim of collecting donations from TNB employees through voluntary June and July salary deductions for distribution to vulnerable groups throughout the peninsula.

Beneficiaries are selected based on a list of B40 groups involving people with disabilities, e-Kasih, Welfare Department and People Housing Scheme (under the Ministry of Women and Community Development), zakat bodies and feedback from TNB employees.

Separately, TNB said that the repair work of its high voltage cables that caught fire at KM3.2 of the Penang Bridge on Feb 22, is expected to be completed and operational on June 25, almost two weeks earlier than scheduled.

TNB chief grid officer Datuk Husaini Husin said the utility firm’s quick and continuous commitment with the cooperation from Malaysian Highway Authority and PLUS Malaysia Bhd have enabled the progress of the repair work to be ahead of the scheduled date on July 6, 2021, despite having to deal with rough seas.

“Repair work which started on March 4, 2021 include the replacement of three high voltage cables from Bukit Tengah Main Intake Substation to Bayan Mutiara for about 1km in length.

“Throughout the repair period, traffic flow at Penang Bridge has not been disrupted at all as TNB conducted repairs via sea route.

The repair work also has not affected the reliability and stability of the electricity supply to Penang,” he said in a statement yesterday.

TNB uses boats and barges to transport equipment and spare parts, apart from carrying out the cable laying work completely using a barge.

Despite the ongoing Movement Control Order 3.0, work on replacing the cable continues by adhering to strict standard operating procedures and upon getting the approval from the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources.

“TNB’s priority is to repair the damaged cable so that our customers in Penang can continue to receive stable and reliable electricity supply, in line with our customer centricity core value,” Husaini added.

An investigation report of the incident is being prepared and will be finalised together with PLUS next month.