NEWS & UPDATES

SARAWAK, KUCHING, 28 APRIL 2012 - After countless meter inspection operation and public awareness campaign by SESCO, the Company still finds disobedient business operators who are still stealing electricity. In its ongoing operation in Kuching, Sibu and Miri this week, SESCO finds that many business owners still remain defiant and continue doing this unethical action. 

In Kuching, SESCO received public complaint through the power theft hotline about a new restaurant/bistro near Civic Centre was enjoying free electricity without meter. SESCO immediately dispatched inspection teams to check the electricity installation, and confirmed that the premise is doing direct tapping of electricity from the service line to supply certain parts of the building compound. They also illegally reconnect a wire before the meter to supply to other parts of the restaurant. The original meter is only single phase and it is applied for normal house of low consumption use.  It is not suitable and dangerous for restaurant use. The size of existing internal wiring is also not suitable and cannot cater for high loads. This is dangerous and can cause fire to the property. On site, they tried to cover up the direct connection by covering it with a plastic bag, which could easily heat up and cause fire. 

When questioned by SESSCO inspection teams, the business operators explained that they are going to make application of SESCO meter soon. However, SESCO finds the explanation unacceptable, as the installation is unauthorized and is dangerous. The internal wiring needs to be tested and proved to be safe before being energised. This is a public place and safety is our concern. This unmetered electricity connection also causes high revenue loss to SESCO every year. 

The unauthorized electricity supply was disconnected and witnessed by representatives from Electrical Inspectorate Unit (EIU) of Ministry of Public Utilities. EIU is the unit in State Government responsible of issuing electrical license to electrical contractors. The business owner was also urged to submit the application soonest possible. SESCo has the responsibility to ensure that the wiring is safe before use. Police report have been lodged for further investigation. 

SESCO would like to remind the public that theft of electricity is an offence under section 33(5) of the Electricity Ordinance and punishable with a fine up to RM100,000 or imprisonment of five years or both. SESCO would like to appreciate public’s cooperation in giving power theft information. The public can continue to inform SESCO of any incidence related to electricity theft via telephone number 082-443535 or write directly to The Controller, Revenue Management Control Centre, Wisma SESCO, Jalan Bako, Petrajaya, 93673 Kuching, Sarawak. The Public can rest assured that all information given will be treated with confidentiality.

Direct connection without meter covered by a plastic bag

Disconnection Works carried out by SESCO Contractor

Police MPV Unit ensuring the safety at site