By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, May 19: In a continued crackdown on electricity theft, Sarawak Energy, through its retail and operations arm, Syarikat SESCO Berhad (SESCO), has uncovered two significant cases of power theft at residential properties in Krokop and Pujut, Miri.
According to a media release, the illegal operations, discovered during a joint raid with the police, resulted in an estimated loss of RM17,000 in unbilled electricity charges each month.
“Upon inspection, SESCO’s technical team found concealed direct tapping cables hidden above the ceilings. These bypassed electricity meters and compromised electrical safety systems, allowing the properties to illegally power 12 cryptocurrency mining servers in Krokop and 21 in Pujut.
“The illegal setups were dismantled and seized by the authorities for further investigation,” said the media release.
Sarawak Energy warned that despite offering some of the most competitive tariffs in the region, unscrupulous cryptocurrency mining operators continue to engage in power theft to reduce operating costs.
“These illegal connections not only rob the State of revenue but also pose serious safety hazards, including fire risks, potential electrocution, and damage to the wider electrical infrastructure. Such setups can also disrupt power supply to neighbouring homes, causing undue inconvenience and potential danger to the public.
“Under Section 33(5) of the Electricity Ordinance, offenders convicted of stealing electricity face fines of up to RM200,000 and/or imprisonment for up to five years.
“Property owners are advised to monitor their premises closely, as they may also be held accountable for any illegal activities found.
“Sarawak Energy remains committed to combating electricity theft through close collaboration with law enforcement agencies and the Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication (MUT). SESCO’s skilled inspection teams are equipped with the expertise and tools to effectively detect various forms of concealed setups.”
Members of the public are advised to report any suspicious activities related to electricity theft by contacting Sarawak Energy’s Customer Care Centre at 1300-88-3111 or emailing customercare@sarawakenergy.com.
All reports will be kept strictly confidential. — DayakDaily
