KUCHING: Sarawak Energy suffered RM2.1 million losses in damaged properties since 2020 due to careless excavation by contractors.
Sarawak Energy’s regional manager for Western Region Choo Min Chong in a statement yesterday (March 29), urged contactors to closely monitor work at sites to ensure their workers do not damage underground electrical cables.
Choo reminded that it was their responsibility to avoid damaging the supply lines and more importantly to keep their workers safe from risk of electrocution.
“We have been communicating time and time again on how important it is to check with us the cable route first before proceeding with works, yet we still get incidences of contractors disregarding all the precautions.
“In fact, some have received warning letters and even faced penalties for their careless works. This is totally unacceptable,” he said.
Choo also urged them to not take it lightly as coming in contact with any of the cables is a safety hazard which may result in injuries and even loss of lives caused by electrocution.
“Please do not take this lightly. At the end of the day, we want to protect the safety of their workers and the public so that everyone goes home safely,” he said.
Sarawak Energy will continue to issue warning letters and stop-work orders to any contractors breaching safety standards when working near live electric cables.
The letters are also copied to the relevant authorities so that contractors make safety their top priority when carrying out excavation works.
Previously on March 24, a third-party contractor damaged an 11kV underground cable while carrying out excavation works, disrupting electricity supply to Matang, 8th Mile, 9th Mile and surrounding areas.
Sarawak Energy immediately deployed its technical team and successfully restored supply to approximately 1,100 affected customers within two hours.
The contractor was issued a warning letter and a stop-work order. Sarawak Energy will bill the contractor for the repair cost.
The Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication Sarawak, Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) and the project owner were also notified accordingly for further action.
All contractors are reminded to call and check with Sarawak Energy before proceeding with construction or excavation works to avoid damaging underground cables and causing unnecessary supply interruptions as well as to protect the safety of their workers and the public.
Contractors are also urged to comply with the Electricity Ordinance, the Electricity Rules 1999, and the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 when carrying out works within the vicinity of high-tension cables or other electrical infrastructure to ensure safety and health of all persons involved.
To notify of works near electrical infrastructure requiring Sarawak Energy’s technical advice, contractors may contact Sarawak Energy’s 24/7 Customer Care Centre at 1300-88-3111 or email customercare@sarawakenergy.com.
