KUCHING, March 30: Three electricians aged between 19 and 20 were recently caught red-handed while assisting a 24-hour mini market operator at Taman Sukma Commercial Centre to steal electricity.
According to a press release from Sarawak Energy Berhad (Sarawak Energy), the operator had been connecting power supply illegally by repeatedly tampering with the incoming main electricity wiring with the electricians’ assistance since early this year.
The electricians were arrested by the anti-power theft team consisting of personnel from Sarawak Energy’s utility arm, Syarikat Sesco Berhad (Sesco), Electrical Inspectorate Unit (EIU) of the Ministry of Utilities Sarawak and the police when they were in the process of connecting the wires. The operation was triggered following a public tip-off and close surveillance of the premises for the past months.
The business operator was also remanded to assist in investigations for power theft.
Past records show that the business operator is a repeat power theft offender and had persisted in stealing electricity even though supply had been disconnected nine times previously.
In the recent operation, it was discovered that the supply was reconnected through the same method by incoming main wiring to the premises. Sarawak Energy’s technical team immediately disconnected and dismantled the illegal wiring.
The electrical load for the premises was measured and estimated to cost around RM800-RM1,200 per month. The actual amount could have been higher considering that the measurement was taken at the business’ off-peak hours.
As the electricity supply was illegally connected to the premises, the wiring pose a safety hazard as they were not tested in accordance with Sesco’s standards and safety requirements. This may cause fires or put others in danger of electrocution.
Sarawak Energy through EIU and the State Attorney General’s chambers will be taking legal action and will charge the operator for the cost of electricity stolen.
In the statement, Sarawak Energy reminded customers that stealing electricity is a crime under Section 33(5) of the Electricity Ordinance, which carries a penalty of RM100,000 and/or five years’ imprisonment if found guilty.
In view of the rampant fire cases arising from power theft in recent times, Sarawak Energy is actively carrying out meter inspections and investigation operations throughout Sarawak together with the Ministry of Utilities Sarawak and the police. Stealing electricity is an act which endangers lives and causes damage to customers’ property including electrical appliances which may lead to fire.
Members of the public may report any power theft information via Sarawak Energy’s Customer Care Centre at 1300-88-3111 or email at customercare@sarawakenergy.com. All information will be kept strictly confidential. — DayakDaily
