KUCHING, Aug 9: Sarawak Energy Berhad (Sarawak Energy), together with the Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication (MUT) and the police, uncovered electricity theft at a light industrial business at Rock Road recently.
According to a press release, suspicions of electricity theft first arose when Sarawak Energy’s technical team observed abnormally low electricity meter readings during routine meter inspections at the rented facility.
After securing a warrant, the team conducted an investigation during which direct tapping cables used to steal electricity were discovered hidden underground. The direct tapping cables were seized as evidence.
The owner of the facility was present to witness the entire operation and will be called in to assist with the investigations.
Based on the load measured at the site, it was estimated that the actual monthly bill should be RM2,200.
However, the monthly bill was only RM500 per month. Sarawak Energy was estimated to have incurred losses of approximately RM61,200 for the past three years from the unrecorded electricity consumed.
A police report was lodged over the matter.
Stealing electricity through meter bypassing and tampering using direct tapping cables hidden underground method is now more commonly found throughout the State, according to Sarawak Energy in the press release.
Sarawak Energy’s meter inspection technicians are trained and well equipped to detect any kind of tampering methods to steal electricity.
Power thieves will be charged under Section 33(5) of the Electricity Ordinance, with a penalty of up to RM100,000 and/or five years’ jail.
Sarawak Energy warns customers that tampering with wires to under-record electricity consumption is illegal, non-standard, and non-compliant with safety requirements as well as dangerous, as it may result in electrocutions, buildings catching fire, and outages in surrounding areas.
Following the success of the operation, Sarawak Energy will continue to collaborate with the MUT and the police to track down individuals stealing electricity for any reason.
Sarawak Energy urged members of the public not to trust service providers claiming to be able to reduce electricity use or allow owners to enjoy unlimited usage of electricity through meter tampering.
Meter inspection teams are trained to detect various electricity theft methods, including tampered meters, fake electricity meter covers, underground direct tapping, and smart meter indications, as part of Sarawak Energy’s efforts to curb power theft.
Landlords are also strongly advised to conduct background checks on potential tenants and be alert towards their activities to avoid being implicated in electricity theft crimes committed at the rented premises.
Those with information on power theft activities and service providers claiming to be able to reduce electricity consumption may contact Sarawak Energy’s customer care centre at 1300-88-3111 or email customercare@sarawakenergy.com.
All information will be kept strictly confidential. — DayakDaily
