KUCHING: Sarawak Energy has reminded all third party contractors to check with it on underground cable routes before commencing works.
Excavations remain a common cause of electricity supply interruptions, due to a lack of proper planning and coordination by contractors.
“This is not the first time we have urged contractors to closely monitor work on site to ensure their workers proceed with excavation works away from the cable route.
“We have been communicating non-stop on the importance of checking the cable route with us first before proceeding with works, yet we still get incidences of contractors disregarding precautions,” said its Regional Manager, Choo Min Chong in a statement yesterday.
“May I emphasise once again that aside from supply interruptions, coming in contact with any of our cables is a safety hazard which may result in injuries or death caused by electrocution.
“This should not be taken lightly as we are committed to protect and ensure the safety of the workers and the public, ensuring everyone goes home safely,” Choo added.
Since 2020, Sarawak Energy has incurred approximately RM2.5 million in losses from more than 590 cases of damaged electrical facilities contributed by third party excavations alone.
In 2022, a total of 202 cases were reported, incurring damages amounting to RM553,000.
On December 7 around 2.35pm, residents along Jalan Matang and Malihah were affected by an outage for up to two hours when a third party contractor damaged 11kV underground cables whilst carrying out excavation works.
Upon receiving a report, Sarawak Energy immediately deployed its technical team for rectification and supply was gradually restored to all the affected customers within two hours via an alternative supply source.
Cable repair works commenced immediately and were completed around 6.30am the next day.
As the contractor left the site without reporting the incident, Sarawak Energy said it will not hesitate to institute legal action against them.
