KUCHING, Feb 4: Sarawak Energy’s operational arm, Syarikat SESCO Berhad advises the public to be cautious and not to carry out tree-clearing activities near power poles. Instead, the public are to contact Sarawak Energy’s Customer Care Centre at 1 300 88 3111 if they need to clear trees and undergrowth near power lines.
The advice came from SESCO’s chief executive officer Lau Kim Swee in a press statement today, who cited a recent tree-clearing incident in Senau in Mukah Division.
In the Jan 28 incident, tree-clearing activities resulted in a large tree falling on the 33kV line along the Oya-Igan Road and breaking five electricity poles. The 5pm incident resulted in a loss of supply to Oya, Senau, Igan, Matu and Daro.
“Our team immediately carried out extensive repair works to erect new poles and fix the overhead lines. With customers in mind and a safety process in place, they worked through the night to complete the task, which enabled full restoration of supply to the affected areas the next day, Jan 29, 1.15pm,” Lau said.
“To ensure public safety and to avoid unnecessary power disruptions such as this, we would like to advise the public to avoid working too close to power lines and facilities. Fallen live cables can cause electrocution.”
Calling on the public to exercise caution when working near pole lines, Lau said damage to the lines not only caused inconvenient supply interruptions and damaged critical electrical equipment but it also threatened public safety.
“We would like to increase awareness on the extent of damage and inconvenience caused by such activities. This is not the first case; it happens every year,” he added.
Lau also advised the public to report any fallen lines or electricity poles immediately as prompt action could save lives.
For reports and enquiries, Sarawak Energy’s Customer Care Centre is reachable at 1300 88 3111, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. — DayakDaily
