SAMARAHAN: The owner of a double-storey house at Tiya Vista Kota Samarahan was found stealing electricity in a recent joint operation between Sarawak Energy Sdn Bhd (SEB) and the Enforcement and Legal Division of the Ministry of Utilities.
SEB disclosed that the technical team discovered that the power cable was still energised even though supply had been disconnected.
SEB added that a police report was lodged and the house owner would be called in to assist with investigations under Section 33(5) of the Electricity Ordinance.
“With a search warrant issued by the Kota Samarahan Magistrates’ Court, the team discovered direct tapping cables connected to the main incoming supply that had by-passed the electricity meter. This resulted in low consumption readings.
“The cables were hidden behind the gate pillar to prevent detection. Load readings taken on site showed that the house owner should have been paying more than RM500 instead of RM250 per month.
“All tampered wirings and meters were dismantled and seized as evidence,” SEB said on Tuesday (April 13).
Stealing electricity is a criminal offence which carries a penalty of up to RM100,000 and/or five years jail if found guilty.
Customers are reminded not to trust any service providers claiming to be able to reduce electricity use or allow premises owners to enjoy unlimited usage of electricity through meter tampering.
“As electricity supply was illegally connected to the premises, the wirings pose a safety hazard as they were not tested in accordance with Sesco’s standards and safety requirements. Furthermore, the cables may continue to remain energised despite supply being disconnected while carrying out internal wiring works.
“The tampered wirings put the occupants and those working on the internal house wirings at risk of electrocution and causing fire to the premises. It is also a potential supply interruption for other residents whose houses are connected to the same main overhead line.”
Over 2,500 power theft cases involving commercial and residential premises have been investigated by SEB and the ministry since 2020.
The public can report any suspicious activities related to power theft and service providers claiming to be able to reduce electricity consumption by contacting SEB’s customer care centre (1300-88-3111) or via email at customercare@sarawakenergy.com. All information will be kept strictly confidential.
