KUCHING, May 15: A commercial vegetable farm operator at Jalan Oya, Sibu, was recently caught stealing electricity again by illegally tapping supply from a nearby service pole.
According to a media release today, the joint operation conducted with the Electrical Inspectorate Unit (EIU) of the Ministry of Utilities and the police found that the farm had illegally connected its supply directly from the transformer at the service pole, bypassing the meter.
Acting on a public tip-off, Sarawak Energy Berhad started monitoring the operator since March this year. It turns out that the operator has a record for committing such offences in the past.
Sarawak Energy has put the farm operator on its surveillance list for power theft and was working with the police in building a case against the operator.
A spokesperson of Syarikat Sesco Berhad revealed that the illegal connections with exposed wirings were a safety hazard.
“There is a risk of electrocution and this may also cause a fire. The public is reminded that power theft is a dangerous crime.”
The farm also has a barrack for its immigrant workers. The barrack is equipped with air-conditioners. All illegal connections were dismantled and seized as evidence during the raid.
Revealing that power theft is still rampant in the state, Sarawak Energy said it would continue to work closely with the relevant authorities and also look into technologies that will effectively detect power theft activities to curb this crime.
Those found guilty of stealing electricity will be charged under Section 33 (5) of the Electricity Ordinance, which carries a penalty of RM100,000 and/or five years’ jail or both.
For members of the public who want to report suspicious activities, Sarawak Energy can be reached via its dedicated hotline at 082-443535. All information will be treated strictly confidential. — DayakDaily
