KUALA LUMPUR, June 16 — Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) today refuted allegations that its chairman Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid receives a monthly allowance of RM1 million.

It said the amount was far lower than claimed on social media and reflects the chairman’s responsibility in leading a public-listed company with over nine million customers and has assets totalling RM60 billion, without disclosing the actual figure.

"As a company listed on Bursa Malaysia, the emolument received by the TNB board of directors is stated in the Annual Report that is published every year.

"The public is advised to not disseminate untruthful claims over the allowance and to always ensure the veracity of the information before circulating it,” the energy company’s corporate communications said in a statement.

The allegations surfaced several days ago and claimed that the high electricity charges among consumers during the movement control order (MCO) period is to pay Mahdzir’s high monthly allowance, rumoured to be RM1 million.

Despite that, TNB has not revealed the actual monthly allowance received by Mahdzir.

The previous chairman, Tan Sri Leo Moggie, had received RM876,790.57 or RM73,065.88 a month in fees, allowances and other emoluments, according to TNB’s annual report filed with Bursa Malaysia.

TNB warned that it may take legal action against those who continue to spread false and unverified claims, as it was an unlawful act.

Mahdzir has since responded to the social media claims of his high monthly allowance, calling them "naughty”.

"The actual allowance received is much lower. It is enough for me to say that it is too low (sic) than what is being claimed,” he posted on Facebook yesterday.