NEWS & UPDATES

KUCHING
26 MAY 2023

More than 30 cases of electricity theft were uncovered in four shophouse blocks in Tabuan Park, Kuching, during a recent joint operation involving Sarawak Energy, the Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication (MUT) and the Police.

During the operation, it was discovered that there were no electricity meters on-site, indicating that the culprits resorted to using direct tapping cables to illegally connect to the power supply from the mains to the buildings.

Investigations also revealed that the buildings had a history of a fire incident suspected to have been caused by unsafe wiring practices.

All the direct tapping cables found on site were dismantled and seized as evidence of electricity theft. Sarawak Energy has estimated monthly losses of approximately RM15,000 solely due to unrecorded electricity consumption in this area.

A police report has been lodged and all parties involved, including the electrical contractor, will be called up to assist in the ongoing investigations. If found guilty, they will face charges under Section 33(5) of the Electricity Ordinance, which carries a penalty of up to RM100,000 and/or five years of jail.

Sarawak Energy will scrutinise new applications for electricity supply, as well as existing accounts, for individuals with a history of electricity theft.

All applicants, including contractors, are required to adhere to the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) when applying for electricity supply to avoid any potential complications in the future.

The public is advised to exercise caution and not trust service providers who claim to have the ability to reduce electricity usage or offer unlimited electricity consumption by tampering with meters.

Those with information related to power theft are encouraged to report such incidents, including details about power theft service providers, to Sarawak Energy’s customer care centre at 1300-88-3111 or via email at customercare@sarawakenergy.com. All information received will be treated as strictly confidential.

Clear burnt marks are visible where a fire previously occurred as a result of unsafe wiring practices involving direct tapping

Direct tapping cables at the premises used to steal electricity