KUCHING, Aug 19: A double-storey terrace house owner at Jalan Datuk Mohd Musa was caught stealing electricity during a joint operation conducted recently.
Sarawak Energy in a statement today said the joint operation was conducted together with the Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication (MUT) and Police.
According to the utilities provider company, the offense, done through underground direct tapping, was detected by the team following an earlier case reported at a light industrial location at Rock Road.
“After observing abnormal meter readings at the premises during one of Sarawak Energy’s routine meter inspections, the team proceeded to secure a court warrant for further inspection on suspicions of electricity theft.
“At the time of the operation, the technical team uncovered direct tapping cables hidden inside a wall behind the autogate control box which bypassed the electricity meter,” it said.
Sarawak Energy pointed out that the estimated recorded electricity consumption of the owner’s monthly electricity bill was also 50 per cent less every month against actual consumption.
It said the direct tapping cables were seized as evidence and a police report has been lodged for this case.
“The owner who was present to witness the entire raid will be called for investigation,” it added.
Meanwhile, Sarawak Energy cautions its customers that tampering with wires to under-record electricity consumption is illegal and dangerous as the wiring system does not comply with the safety standards and requirements.
It also strongly advised landlords to conduct background checks on potential tenants and be alert of their activities to avoid being implicated in electricity theft crimes committed at the rented premises. — DayakDaily
