NEWS & UPDATES
Massage Parlour & Snooker Centre Found Stealing Electricity
KUCHING, MONDAY, 14th NOVEMBER 2016: Syarikat SESCO Berhad (SESCO) together with Electrical Inspectorate Unit (EIU) inspectors from the Ministry of Public Utilities and the local police (PDRM) found evidence of power theft at a massage parlour and a snooker centre located within the same building at Jalan Foochow.
The team conducted an inspection of the premises for suspected meter tampering recently, after a warrant was granted by the Magistrate’s Court. The centres are owned by the same operator with a history of meter tampering.
In the operation, the SESCO technical team detected illegal direct tapping cables connected from incoming mains wirings directly to electrical appliances such as air conditioning units in both premises, bypassing SESCO meters. The landlord of the premises was present during the inspection.
SESCO technicians also found a hidden switch installed behind the cash counter of the snooker center used to control the illegal direct tapping and to avoid detection by SESCO.
A SESCO spokesperson said, “Direct tapping is not just illegal, it is very dangerous and can easily cause fire. This is an irresponsible act that compromises the safety of the patrons. The operator concealed the ceiling where the incoming mains wirings to both premises were installed with plaster deck to hide the direct tap. However, our highly-trained inspection team members were able to detect the illegal connection and proceeded to disconnect and seize the direct tapping cables.”
All the exhibits including direct tapping cables, illegal switches and meters were seized by SESCO as evidence for prosecution in court. A police report was also lodged and the operator will be called in to assist in the investigation.
The public are reminded that concealing incoming mains wirings is illegal and dangerous, especially in the event of an emergency where the wiring system needs to be disconnected or removed.
Stealing electricity is a dangerous crime punishable under Section 33(5) of the Electricity Ordinance and carries a fine of RM100, 000 or 5 years imprisonment or both if the offender is convicted.
SESCO will continue to actively carry out meter inspection and investigation operations throughout the state with assistance from the Ministry of Public Utilities and PDRM. Responsible citizens with information on power theft are encouraged to contact SESCO’s power theft hotline at 082-443535 or email customercare@sarawakenergy.com.my. All information will be kept confidential.
