KUCHING: A coffee shop proprietor at 9th Mile commercial park was caught stealing electricity in a recent anti-power theft joint operation by Sarawak Energy, Electrical Inspectorate Unit (EIU) from the Ministry of Utilities and the police.
The proprietor, who had previously been caught stealing electricity at the same premise, was apprehended in the operation after months of close surveillance by Sarawak Energy’s utility arm, Syarikat Sesco Bhd (Sesco).
During the raid, it was discovered that electricity supply was directly connected to the premise from the incoming mains without any meter.
According to Sarawak Energy in a statement, their past records revealed that the proprietor had never applied for electricity supply connection from Sarawak Energy to his shop.
Sarawak Energy added that after the previous raid, the illegal supply was disconnected but the proprietor continued to steal electricity through the same method.
“During the latest raid, all wiring, jumper cables and meter tails (where direct connection was done) were dismantled by Sarawak Energy’s technical team and seized as evidence. A police report was lodged, and the proprietor will be called in for investigations under Section 33(5) of the Electricity Ordinance.”
EIU and the State Attorney-General will commence legal action against the proprietor to recover the cost of stolen electricity.
Power theft 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.
“It is also a dangerous act which endangers lives and damages customers’ properties including electrical appliances which may lead to fire,” Sarawak Energy said.
To curb this dangerous crime, Sarawak Energy will continue to carry out meter inspections and investigation operations throughout Sarawak together with the Ministry of Utilities and the Police.
“We would like to remind the public not to trust any service providers claiming to be able to reduce electricity bills and allow premise owners to enjoy limitless electricity usage.
“Owners will be held responsible for the crime as the meters are registered under their names,” the company said.
Sarawak Energy added that members of the public can report on any power theft, including details of power theft service providers, via the Sarawak Energy hotline at 082-443535.
All information will be kept strictly confidential. — DayakDaily
