KUCHING: A cold storage warehouse in Kuala Baram near here has been caught stealing electricity.
The act was discovered during a raid conducted by the Sarawak Energy meter inspection team with the Electrical Inspectorate Unit (EIU) from the Ministry of Utilities and the police.
The warehouse has been placed under surveillance for months following public tip-off on suspicion of power theft.
Upon gaining access, it was discovered that one of the electrical meters was tampered with, resulting in lower readings compared to the actual consumption.
Several units of cargo container chillers were also found at the premises operating 24 hours.
Sarawak Energy in a press statement issued yesterday said billing analysis records showed that the electricity consumption for the warehouse was unrealistically low at approximately RM1,000 a month.
The reading of the electrical load taken during the operation was estimated to cost around RM6,000 to RM7,000 per month, which may go higher during festive season with more chillers.
The tampered meter was seized as evidence and replaced with a new meter. Sarawak Energy will continue to monitor the energy consumption at the premises to curb future tampering attempts.
A police report was also lodged, and the warehouse owner will be called to assist in the investigation.
Sarawak Energy, through EIU and the State Attorney-General chambers, will be taking legal action against the owner of the premises under Section 33(5) of the Sarawak Electricity Ordinance, which provides for a fine of up to RM100,000 or five years’ imprisonment or both. The warehouse owner will also be charged for the accumulated arrears of the electricity stolen.
Stealing electricity endangers lives and can cause damage to the customers’ properties, including electrical appliances, which may lead to fire. It can also cause serious injury and even fatalities.
Sarawak Energy will monitor monthly electricity consumptions closely, and action will be taken when consumption abnormalities are detected. Meter inspections and operations will also be conducted throughout Sarawak together with EIU and the police.
Customers are advised not to trust any service providers claiming to be able to reduce electricity bills and allow premise owners to enjoy limitless electricity usage. Owners will be held responsible for the crime as the meters are registered under their names.
The public can continue to report on any power theft via the Sarawak Energy hotline at 082-443535. All information will be kept strictly confidential.
