KUCHING, March 29: A blackout on March 24 that affected some 1,100 customers in Matang, 8th Mile, 9th Mile and surrounding areas was due to damage caused to a 11kV underground cable by a third party contractor during excavation works.
Following the power outage at 5.30pm, Sarawak Energy Berhad (Sarawak Energy) said its technical team was immediately deployed and successfully restored the supply within two hours. Cable repair work commenced immediately and was successfully completed around 5am the next morning.
According to a statement from Sarawak Energy, the contractor was also issued a warning letter and a stop-work order, while the Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication, Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) and the project owner were also notified accordingly for further action.
As per process, Sarawak Energy will bill the contractor for the repair cost.
Sarawak Energy pointed out that excavation works done without proper planning and coordination continue to be a cause of electricity supply interruptions regardless of continuous efforts to remind third party contractors to check with the utility company on underground cable routes before commencing works.
The utility company was disappointed that despite multiple warnings and hefty penalties imposed, some contractors have remained careless, with their negligence leading to underground cables being damaged and causing inconvenience to affected residents.
Sarawak Energy’s regional manager for Western Region Choo Min Chong urged contactors to closely monitor works at site to ensure their workers were proceeding with excavation works away from the cable route.
He said it was their responsibility to avoid damaging the supply lines and more importantly, to keep their workers safe from risk of electrocution.
“We have been communicating time and time again on how important it is to check with us the cable route first before proceeding with works, yet we still get incidents of contractors disregarding all the precautions. Some have received warning letters and even faced penalties for their careless work. This is totally unacceptable.
“Aside from supply interruptions, I would like to point out that coming in contact with any of our cables is a safety hazard which may result in injuries caused by electrocution and even loss of lives. Please do not take this lightly. At the end of the day, we want to protect the safety of their workers and the public so that everyone goes home safely,” he added.
Since 2020, Sarawak Energy incurred approximately RM2.1 million in losses from more than 430 cases of damaged electrical facilities contributed by third party excavations alone.
In 2022, a total of 43 cases were reported so far, incurring damages amounting to RM107,000. The contractors involved will be held accountable for all costs for repairs and revenue loss due to the damage.
Sarawak Energy will continue to issue warning letters and stop-work orders to any contractors breaching safety standards when working near live electric cables. These letters are also copied to the relevant authorities so that contractors make safety their top priority when carrying out excavation works.
All contractors are reminded to call and check with Sarawak Energy before proceeding with construction or excavation works in the vicinity to avoid damaging underground cables and causing unnecessary supply interruptions as well as to protect the safety of their workers and the public.
Contractors are also urged to comply with the Electricity Ordinance, the Electricity Rules 1999, and the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 when carrying out works within the vicinity of high-tension cables or other electrical infrastructure to ensure safety and health of all persons involved.
To notify of works near electrical infrastructure requiring Sarawak Energy’s technical advice, contractors may contact Sarawak Energy’s 24/7 Customer Care Centre at 1300-88-3111 or email customercare@sarawakenergy.com. — DayakDaily
