KUCHING, Jan 6: Sarawak Democratic Action Party (DAP) chairman Chong Chieng Jen questioned the veracity of Sarawak Energy Berhad (Sarawak Energy) for charging its customer after 14 years of meter change and replacement.
According to Chong, who is also Padungan assemblyman, the meter of a customer of Sarawak Energy, Mr Yeo, was replaced by Sarawak Energy on June 9, 2007. On Sept 21, 2007, Sarawak Energy issued a bill to Mr. Yeo alleging that the meter was faulty and thus charging him for a period of 36 months prior to the date of change of meter, totaling RM4,191.3 (inclusive administration and meter fees).
Chong said on Oct 1, 2007, he wrote a letter to challenge Sarawak Energy’s decision but it was put in KIV (keep in view).
On March 23, 2009, Sarawak Energy again demanded the payment of the said sum.
“On March 25, 2009, again, on behalf of Mr. Yeo, I wrote to challenge the claim and asked to refer the matter to Consumer Protection Tribunal.
“Thereafter, the matter was again KIV for many years. On Dec 28, 2021, Sarawak Energy issued a letter threatening to disconnect electricity supply to Mr. Yeo’s house,” said Chong during a press conference held at DAP headquarters, here today.
Chong pointed out that the change of meter occurred more than 14 years ago, and since then, Sarawak Energy has failed to produce any evidence showing that meter was faulty except merely stating that the meter was defective.
He said given that the sum of RM4,191.31 was allegedly incurred in 2007, it is already more than 14 years, and even if the alleged sum were to be true, it would have been time-barred and cannot be claimed in court.
Chong who is also Stampin MP said it has been decided by the Federal Court recently that Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), the electricity supplier in West Malaysia has no right to disconnect electricity in the premises of its customers after the replacement of the defective meters.
“SEB applies under similar provision of the law. SEB cannot simply ignore such federal court judgment and act above the law,” he emphasised. – DayakDaily.
