NEWS & UPDATES

KUCHING
30 MARCH 2021

Three electricians aged between 19 and 20 years were recently caught red-handed while assisting a 24-hour mini market operator at Taman Sukma Commercial Centre to steal electricity. The operator had been connecting power supply illegally by repetitive tampering of the electricity incoming main wirings with the electricians’ assistance since March 2020.

The electricians were arrested by the anti-power theft team consisting of personnel from Sarawak Energy’s utility arm, Syarikat SESCO Berhad (SESCO), Ministry of Utilities Sarawak's Enforcement Department and the Police when they were in the process of connecting the wires. The operation was triggered following a public tip-off and close surveillance of the premises for the past months.

The business operator was also remanded to assist in investigations for power theft.

Past records show that the business operator is a repeat power theft offender and had continued stealing electricity even though supply had been disconnected nine times previously.

In the recent operation, it was discovered that the supply was reconnected through the same method by incoming main wirings to the premises. Sarawak Energy’s technical team immediately disconnected and dismantled the illegal wirings.

The electrical load for the premises was measured and estimated to cost around RM800-RM1,200 per month. The actual amount could have been higher considering that the measurement was taken at business off peak hours.

As the electricity supply was illegally connected to the premises, the wirings pose a safety hazard as they were not tested in accordance with SESCO’s standards and safety requirements. This can cause fire to the building or put others in danger of electrocution.

Sarawak Energy through EIU and the State Attorney General chambers will be taking legal action and will charge the operator for the cost of electricity stolen.

Sarawak Energy reminds its customers that this illegal activity is a crime under Section 33(5) of the Electricity Ordinance, which carries a penalty of RM100,000 and/or five years’ imprisonment if found guilty.

In view of the rampant fire cases arising from power theft in recent times, Sarawak Energy is actively carrying out meter inspections and investigation operations throughout Sarawak together with the Ministry of Utilities Sarawak and the Police. Stealing electricity is an act which endangers lives and causes damage to customers’ properties including electrical appliances which may lead to fire.

Members of the public can report any power theft information via Sarawak Energy’s Customer Care Centre at 1300-88-3111 or email at customercare@sarawakenergy.com. All information will be kept strictly confidential.

Illegal wirings connected from SESCO's mains wiring to the customer distribution board.

Suspects connecting electricity supply illegally.

Suspects arrested by the Police.