NEWS & UPDATES

Allegedly Cheating SESCO’s Customers for Meter Replacement

KUCHING, 2nd DECEMBER 2016, FRIDAY: A man posing as Syarikat SESCO Berhad (SESCO) staff has been arrested by police on 16th November 2016.  The suspect was found issuing SESCO’s customers with fake “Meter Seizure List” order for suspected tampered meters.  The suspect also allegedly persuaded the customers to pay him directly to replace their meters on the pretext of helping the customers to avoid the penalty of meter tampering charges, if the cases were to be officially reported to SESCO.  The customers were deceived into paying the suspect, but no replacement of meters were done.

Acting on reports lodged by members of the public, the police immediately launched an investigation and worked closely with SESCO on the case. The suspect was arrested within 24 hours, and was charged under Section 170 of the Penal Code for impersonating a public servant. The offence carries a maximum of two years imprisonment or fine or both.

SESCO would like to remind the public that its personnel are not authorised to receive money directly from customers at site. Payments can only be accepted at the appropriate SESCO office or at any SESCO counters. All SESCO personnel are issued with staff identification card (ID) to introduce themselves to customers at site.

A SESCO spokesperson said, “The victims were able to positively identify the suspect. The police are still searching for another two suspects to assist in this investigation."

“So far there are 4 reported cases in three areas; Matang, Semaba and Samariang in Kuching. Police believe that there are more customers who have fallen victim to this scam, but decided not to make any police report. There could also be more members of the syndicate still at large. We advise members of the public to be vigilant and to contact us or the police immediately when approached by suspicious characters claiming to be SESCO personnel.”

SESCO would like to remind the public that its personnel are not authorised to receive money directly from customers at site. Payments can only be accepted at the appropriate SESCO office or at any SESCO counters. All SESCO personnel are issued with staff identification card (ID) to introduce themselves to customers at site.

Members of the public who have experienced similar cases or are asked to pay directly to individuals for SESCO services are urged to contact the utility’s Customer Care Centre at 1300 88 3111, nearby police station, or contact the investigating officer directly; Inspector Zulsafri at 014 5815032.