By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, April 4: Sarawak Energy Berhad is considering legal action against a contractor for being allegedly responsible for a power outage in Lawas on March 28.
Sarawak Energy’s Regional Manager for the Northern Region Mohammad Saiful Misi expressed disappointment over the contractor’s negligence and warned that stern action would be taken against the responsible party.
According to him, they had repeatedly engaged with third-party contractors to inform them to reach out to identify underground cables before starting any excavation.
“It is disappointing that our warnings have been disregarded. In addition to warning letters sent to those responsible, contractors who damage our facilities will bear the costs of damage,” he said.
On March 28, the contractor involved allegedly damaged three underground cables during their excavation works along Jalan Lawas-Damit.
The damaged cables resulted to power disruption in New Lawas Centre, Taman Kaya Indah, Limpaki, Long Tuma, Natad Musu, Tang Itong, Pa Kepulu and surrounding areas.
Due to the severity of damage sustained by the cables, these areas experienced a prolonged outage as the cables had to be replaced, and additional manpower from Limbang was deployed to expedite repair works.
Upon receiving the report at 3.15pm in the afternoon on March 28, Sarawak Energy immediately dispatched its technical team for repair and restoration works and supply was fully restored to affected residents the following day at 8.05pm on March 29.
On the same noted, Sarawak Energy warns that all contractors must check with the utility provider before starting excavation works to mitigate safety risks, such as injuries or fatalities, and prevent potential legal action.
The company also reminds contractors to monitor their worksites closely to ensure works are conducted at a safe distance from electrical facilities.
“Prior consultation with Sarawak Energy before commencing any works is essential to prevent damage to cables, thereby avoiding supply disruptions and safeguarding the welfare of workers and the public,” it added. — DayakDaily
