KUCHING, Aug 6: A medical supply warehouse operator at Eastwood Valley Industrial Park along Jalan Miri-Bypass was caught stealing electricity in a raid jointly carried out by the Electrical Inspectorate Unit under the Ministry of Utilities, Sarawak Energy Berhad and the police recently.
In a media release, Sarawak Energy revealed the raid was conducted following public tip-offs and continuous close monitoring of suspected power theft activities in Miri over the last few months.
The inspection team had found direct tapping cables hidden in the ceiling of the warehouse.
These cables were connected directly from the main supply, bypassing the electricity meter and straight to electrical appliances in the locked warehouse.
All illegal connections were seized, and a police report was lodged for this case.
Sarawak Energy disclosed that the premise owner will be called in to assist in the investigation under Section 33(5) of the Electricity Ordinance.
Under Section 33(5) of the Electricity Ordinance, stealing electricity is a criminal offence which carries a penalty of up to RM100,000 and/or five years’ imprisonment if found guilty.
Sarawak Energy reiterated that power theft is not only a crime but also endangers lives and damages electrical appliances which may lead to fire.
Customers are reminded not to trust any service providers claiming to be able to reduce electricity bills or allow premises owners to enjoy unlimited usage of electricity through meter tampering.
Sarawak Energy will continue to actively carry out meter inspection activities throughout Sarawak with assistance from all relevant stakeholders especially the Ministry of Utilities and the police.
Members of the public are encouraged to report any incidences of power theft, including the details of power theft service providers via Sarawak Energy’s customer care centre at 1300-88-3111 or email at customercare@sarawakenergy.com. All information will be kept strictly confidential. — DayakDaily
