Kota bharu: The Kelantan government has acknowledged that Air Kelantan Sdn Bhd (AKSB) owes Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) RM61 million in outstanding electricity bills and will settle the amount in stages. State Infrastructure, Water and Rural Development Committee chairman Datuk Dr Izani Husin attributed the arrears to factors including the COVID-19 pandemic and the Movement Control Order, which hindered bill collection. Additionally, some residents withheld payments due to frequent water supply disruptions.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, TNB has engaged in discussions with the Kelantan government to explore possible solutions, though no agreement has been finalized. Datuk Dr Izani Husin mentioned that further discussions are necessary to establish a repayment schedule. He expressed confidence that with AKSB's improved management, the debt would be cleared according to the agreed timeline.

Dr Izani also noted that AKSB had previously settled older electricity arrears on schedule, although some districts still have outstanding amounts. Earlier, Deputy Prime Minister and Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof disclosed that AKSB's arrears with TNB had reached approximately RM61 million as of June 30.