Setting Up Home in Penang
Utilities, Internet, Furniture & Household Services
Editorial estimate, not an official figure. Price ranges on this page (rents, fees, typical costs) are indicative estimates. They are not drawn from an official dataset and have not been individually re-verified, so confirm current prices with the provider. Official rules and tariffs are marked with their source and the date we last checked it.
Electricity (TNB)
Setting Up Electricity
- 1. Contact Tenaga Nasional (TNB) - main provider
- 2. Provide: Lease/purchase agreement, ID, passport
- 3. Application form signed
- 4. Account opened or transferred to your name; bills follow
- • A refundable security deposit is charged when you open an account — TNB sets the amount
- • Monthly bill: depends mostly on air-conditioning use (estimate below)
Electricity Usage
- • AC running 24/7: RM 150-250/month (editorial estimate)
- • AC + normal use: RM 100-150/month (editorial estimate)
- • No AC (minimal): RM 30-50/month (editorial estimate)
- • Official tariff: Domestic energy charge 27.03 sen/kWh for the first 1,500 kWh a month (37.03 sen above that), plus a 4.55 sen capacity charge and 12.85 sen network charge per kWh, an RM 10 monthly retail charge (waived at lower consumption), a fuel adjustment that TNB updates monthly, and an energy-efficiency rebate for lower-usage homes.
- • Since 1 July 2025 households with a smart meter can opt in to a Time-of-Use tariff (off-peak: before 2pm and after 10pm on weekdays, all day at weekends).
Source: TNB (Tenaga Nasional Berhad) — Electricity tariff page and its domestic bill-calculator rate table (RP4) (Tariff in force from 1 July 2025) · last checked 2026-10-06
Water (PBAPP)
Setting Up Water
- • Provider: Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP)
- • Connection: Similar process to electricity
- • A refundable deposit applies — PBAPP sets the amount
Water Usage & Costs
- • Monthly bill: RM 30-60 (editorial estimate)
- • Official domestic tariff from 1 July 2026: RM 0.65 per m³ (1,000 litres) for the first 20 m³ a month, RM 1.30 for 20–35 m³ and RM 2.21 above 35 m³; minimum charge RM 6.50.
- • Many residents boil or filter tap water
- • Most expats use water filter (RM 50-200)
- • Hot water heater not common (use instant)
Source: PBAPP (Perbadanan Bekalan Air Pulau Pinang) — Penang Water Tariffs (from 1.7.2026) (Rates from 1 July 2026) · last checked 2026-10-06
Internet & Mobile
Home Internet (Fiber)
- • Speeds: 100-500 Mbps
- • Cost: RM 80-200/month
- • Installation: 2-4 weeks
- • Speeds: 100-500 Mbps
- • Cost: RM 79-199/month
- • Competitive rates
- • Speeds: 100-500 Mbps
- • Cost: RM 69-189/month
- • Growing availability
Setup: Call provider or visit office. Provide apartment lease/ownership proof. Technician visits for installation (1-2 hours). Modem provided.
Mobile Plans
- • RM 20-50 starter pack
- • Calls/SMS/data as needed
- • Good for testing before plan
- • RM 39-99/month plans
- • Unlimited data included
- • Best for full-time residents
- • CelcomDigi, Maxis
- • U Mobile (budget option)
- • Excellent 4G/5G coverage
Furniture & Shopping
Furniture Shopping
Batu Kawan (near Penang Bridge). Good selection, affordable, assembly available.
Bayan Lepas and Tanjung Tokong have many shops. Custom-made furniture available.
Basic items: beds, chairs, tables at reasonable prices.
Furniture delivery available. Delivery times vary.
Shopping Malls (General Items)
- • Queensbay Mall (Bayan Lepas)
- • Gurney Plaza (Gurney) - upscale
- • Gurney Paragon (Gurney) - shopping/dining
- • Komtar Tower (George Town) - shops/services
Hiring Help at Home
Domestic Helper/Maid
- • Cost: RM 800-1,500/month (live-in)
- • RM 60-120/day (part-time, per day)
- • Hiring a foreign live-in helper needs Immigration approval — check the rules for your pass
- • Agencies: arrange hiring for fee
- • Facebook groups: can find recommendations
Other Services
- • Cleaning service: RM 50-200/visit
- • Laundry: RM 3-8 per kg
- • Handyman repair: RM 50-150/hour
- • AC servicing: RM 80-200
- • Plumbing repair: RM 100-300
- • Find through local service apps and community referrals
Tip: Hiring a domestic helper is common in Penang and affordable compared to Western countries. Many expat families employ cleaners or full-time helpers.
Setup Timeline
Move in, get temporary mobile SIM, buy basic supplies (toiletries, food, kitchen items).
Contact TNB for electricity, PBAPP for water, internet provider for fiber installation.
Utilities connected, internet installed. Shop for furniture and household items.
Home fully set up. Postpaid mobile plan signed. All utilities running smoothly.
Your Home Setup Complete!
Once utilities and essentials are in place, you'll be ready to focus on exploring Penang and settling into your new life.