Overdue electricity payable to Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) has increased to RM1.01 billion as of September this year.

As a result, Energy Transition and Water Transformation Deputy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir said a total of 627,491 accounts have faced electricity disconnection with Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Perak, Johor and Terengganu recording the highest number of accounts and arrears during this period.

"Delays in payment are often due to financial difficulties, negligence or irresponsible behaviour. Many accounts are registered under tenants or non-property owners and there is a prevailing attitude of prioritising TNB payments last," Akmal said during the questions for oral answers session in the Dewan Rakyat today.

He was replying to a question from Kota Melaka MP Khoo Poay Tiong regarding the number of electricity disconnection cases by TNB due to unpaid bills and accumulated arrears.

Under the Electricity Supply Act 1990 and the Licensee Supply Regulations 1990, TNB is authorised to recover unpaid amounts through reminders and discussions with users. If no resolution is reached, disconnection of the electricity supply is carried out as a last resort.