KUCHING, Dec 2: Sarawak Energy advises all election workers and involved parties to exercise caution when displaying campaign materials during the State election campaign period.
Sarawak Energy in a statement toady said placing such materials near electrical poles, overhead lines and substations was dangerous and could lead to outages and injuries.
The company’s personnel will take down banners and buntings without prior notice should the location of display be considered dangerous to the public.
Syarikat SESCO Berhad (SESCO) chief executive officer Lau Kim Swee urges members of the public not to be complacent when it comes to electrical safety during the electoral campaign period.
“In past elections, we have observed that electricity poles are used to hang campaign materials. There is a risk of electrocution if campaign workers hanging these materials come close to our overhead lines and can cause serious injuries or worse, can be fatal.
“Close contact with electrical equipment can also result in an electrical flashover. In addition to being dangerous, this will cause disruption of electricity supply to customers.
“Billboards should not be located anywhere near our overhead lines and substations in case of contact during strong winds.
“We need to take these measures seriously and seek cooperation from the participating parties to refrain from hanging their campaign materials near our facilities.
“Letters will be written to the Election Commission and the political parties emphasising on the importance of this matter,” added Lau.
To ensure supply reliability, Sarawak Energy will carry out necessary maintenance to its electrical system and deploy about 380 technical personnel to be stationed at substations and all the nomination and tallying centres during polling day.
Members of the public are advised to call Sarawak Energy’s 24/7 Customer Care Center at 1- 300-88-3111 or email at customercare@sarawakenergy.com if they have any doubts.
Reports of any concerns relating to electrical facilities such as overhead lines can also be logged into Sarawak Energy’s mobile app, SEB cares. — DayakDaily
