NEWS & UPDATES

KUCHING, 19TH NOVEMBER 2015, THURSDAY: Sarawak Energy urges members of the public to be careful with the impending rainy season particularly when it concerns electrical safety in the event of a flood.

With some parts of Sarawak already experiencing flash floods, the state utility advises members of the public against using electrical appliances and to turn off the main switch where there is flooding at their premises to avoid incidents of electrical shocks.

Sarawak Energy Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer of SESCO, Lu Yew Hung said, "electrical hazards are major safety risks during and after a flood as water and electricity do not mix.  For public safety, Sarawak Energy monitors the flood situation and will switch off supply to substations in flood affected areas  if the water reached the danger level.  We hope members of the public will also take the necessary precautions to avoid any untoward incidents,” he said.

One of the basic but most crucial steps to take when flooding occurs is to switch off all electrical power by turning off the main switchboard. If the main power switch was not turned off earlier, do not attempt to turn it off once water has entered the building.

For those living in flood prone areas, they are advised to move their electrical equipment to floors or areas above the anticipated flood level at the earliest sign of rising flood waters.

Public are also advised not to go near SESCO electrical installations which are submerged or affected by flood water. Parents are advised to monitor their children, especially when playing in flood water, to ensure they do not approach or go near snapped electrical wires as they might still conduct electricity.  Also, when boating in a flooded area, they are to be wary of low hanging power lines. 

It is also important to remember that when an electrical appliance or installation has been submerged in water, it should not be switched on even after flood water recedes for there are risks of electrocution or fire.

Before switching back on the main supply, the public are advised to have a qualified electrician to inspect all wiring and appliances.

For more lifesaving electrical safety tips, Sarawak Energy has prepared an electrical safety message which is available on its corporate website at www.sarawakenergy.com.my.

Customers may seek more information by calling Sarawak Energy’s Customer Care Centre which operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: 

CUSTOMER CARE CENTRE: 1-300-88-3111

To ensure the safety of our customers, it is a practice for Sarawak Energy through its subsidiary, Syarikat SESCO Berhad to switch off the electricity supply to any affected areas without notice. The power supply will be restored as soon as it is safe to do so. Sarawak Energy appreciates the understanding, patience and cooperation from members of the public during this situation as safety is our first priority.