NEWS & UPDATE

KUCHING
27 FEBRUARY 2025

Sarawak Energy is clamping down on electricity theft, with the discovery of yet another illegal direct power tapping case – this time at a double-storey terrace house in Lorong Chawan, Kuching.

Sarawak Energy’s operations and retail arm, Syarikat SESCO Berhad (SESCO), discovered that direct tapping cables concealed in the car porch concrete wall were used to bypass the meter and steal electricity. This act of theft carried out over a period of 36 months resulted in an estimated loss of RM3,600 worth of electricity.

Upon discovery of the illegal setup, SESCO’s meter inspection team dismantled the connections and lodged a police report for further investigation. Offenders may face severe penalties under Section 33(5) of the Electricity Ordinance, which provides for up to RM200,000 in fines and/or imprisonment of up to five years upon conviction.

Electricity theft is a serious crime with legal repercussions and significant safety hazards such as electrocution and loss of lives. Additionally, illegal wiring can easily ignite electrical fires, endangering residents and entire neighbourhoods.

Sarawak Energy continues to strengthen its enforcement efforts, leveraging expertise and collaboration with authorities such as the Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication Sarawak and the Police to hold offenders accountable.

Property owners are reminded that they may be held responsible if illegal electricity connections are found on their premises and are advised to inspect properties regularly to prevent unlawful activities.

Members of the public with information on electricity theft are urged to report it immediately by contacting Sarawak Energy’s Customer Care Centre at 1300-88-3111 or emailing customercare@sarawakenergy.com. All reports received are strictly confidential.

The double-storey terrace house in Lorong Chawan, Kuching where the direct tapping power theft was uncovered

Sarawak Energy’s meter inspection team uncovering the direct tapping lines hidden in the concrete wall of a double-storey terrace house in Lorong Chawan, Kuching

The direct tapping cable with connector