By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, July 24: A landlord’s failure to take simple administrative steps, such as transferring the electricity meter account to a tenant’s name, could lead to grave consequences if criminal activities occur on the property.
This was clearly illustrated in a court case today involving electricity theft for illegal Bitcoin mining, where both a landlord and his tenant were jointly charged under Section 33(5) of the Electricity Ordinance (Cap. 50).
This serious offence is punishable by up to RM200,000 in fines, five years’ imprisonment, or both.
Michael Kong, special assistant to Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sarawak chairman Chong Chieng Jen, who represented the landlord, said the case should serve as a stern warning to all property owners to take tenancy arrangements seriously and avoid leaving utility accounts under their name after handing over premises to tenants.
The case was initiated by the Ministry of Utility and Telecommunications Sarawak after it was discovered that electricity at the rented property had been illegally siphoned for crypto-mining operations conducted solely by the tenant, without the landlord’s knowledge or involvement.
In court, the tenant pleaded guilty and was sentenced to six months in jail.
The landlord, however, pleaded not guilty, asserting that he had no role in the offence. His only error, he said, was renting the premises to the wrong person and failing to transfer the electricity meter account (under Sesco) from his name to the tenant’s after the tenancy agreement was signed.
“Upon considering the circumstances and his lack of direct involvement, the prosecution withdrew the charges, and the court granted him a Discharge Not Amounting to Acquittal (DNAA),” said Kong in a statement.
Kong stressed that while the landlord avoided a criminal conviction, the case underscores the legal risks landlords face if they do not take precautionary steps.
“This incident should serve as a serious reminder to all property owners to always ensure that the name on your electricity meter reflects the current user or tenant. Failing to do so may expose you to criminal liability even if you had no involvement in any wrongdoing.
“I urge landlords and property managers to be vigilant and proactive in managing their tenancy agreements. It’s not just about protecting your rights but also safeguarding yourself from unnecessary legal consequences,” he reminded. — DayakDaily
