NEWS & UPDATE

KUCHING
4 FEBRUARY 2025

Sarawak Energy, through its operations and retail arm, Syarikat SESCO Berhad (SESCO) recently uncovered two cases of electricity theft at Jalan Lapangan Terbang, Kuching. Both incidents involved underground cables illegally bypassing electricity meters.

In the first case, hidden cables were found beneath concrete at a semi-detached double-storey house. The second case involved an intermediate double-storey house with underground cables directly into the power supply. SESCO’s team has dismantled the illegal installations and lodged police reports for further investigations.

Electricity theft is dangerous, posing fire risks, electrocution hazards, and potential damage to electrical infrastructure. These activities can also disrupt power supply to neighbouring areas, causing inconvenience.

Despite Sarawak’s competitive electricity tariffs, power thefts cases remain an issue. Offenders convicted under Section 33(5) of the Electricity Ordinance face fines of up to RM200,000 and/or imprisonment for up to five years. Property owners are urged to monitor their premises, as they may also be held accountable.

SESCO’s skilled inspection teams are equipped to detect even the most concealed setups. Sarawak Energy continues working with law enforcement agencies and the Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication (MUT) to combat power theft.

The public is urged to report any suspicious activities related to electricity theft. Reports can be made anonymously by contacting SESCO’s Customer Care Centre at 1300-88-3111 or emailing customercare@sarawakenergy.com. All reports will be kept strictly confidential.

Contractor hacking the concrete to reveal the hidden direct tapping cables.

Contractor hacking into the concrete to reveal the hidden direct tapping cables.

Close up view of the direct tapping cables (black cables).

Ops team hacking the concrete to reveal the direct tapping cables.

Close up view of the direct tapping cable.