KUCHING: Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) has urged property owners to consider the impact of their renovation or extension works on existing electrical infrastructure to avoid disruptions, inconvenience, and safety risks.
The utility provider in a statement said the public is advised to consult local councils or utilities before starting any such projects to safeguard the integrity of public utilities.
This reminder comes after a recent incident at Lorong Westwood 2 here, where a gate extension inadvertently caused a cable brace, or stay wire, to obstruct a homeowner’s driveway.
Sarawak Energy stressed that stay wires play a vital role in stabilising poles to maintain a reliable electricity supply.
“We understand the inconvenience faced by the homeowner and are committed to working towards a solution, while prioritising public safety and the reliability of electricity supply for our valued customers,” said Sarawak Energy in a statement.
Recently, special assistant to Sarawak Democratic Action Party (DAP) chairman Chong Chieng Jen, Michael Kong Feng Nian, raised concerns regarding a property at Lot 266, Section 43, Lorong Westwood 2, where a cable brace attached to a SESCO electric pole was said to obstruct the driveway.
He called on Sarawak Energy to take responsibility for the issue and criticised the utility provider for allegedly demanding an “unreasonable” RM11,200 fee to remove the pole and cable brace.
“This is yet another frustrating example of the unnecessary inconveniences that the public has been forced to tolerate due to SESCO’s poor planning and disregard for residents’ property rights,” he said, adding that the situation had rendered the homeowner’s car porch unusable as originally designed.
In response, Sarawak Energy clarified that the obstruction was caused by renovation work carried out by the homeowner, which resulted in the cable brace, or stay wire, being repositioned onto the driveway.
The utility provider added that the stay wire was originally installed outside the property’s fencing and did not obstruct access prior to the renovations.
For complaints or concerns, customers can contact Sarawak Energy’s Customer Care Centre at 1-300-88-3111, email customercare@sarawakenergy.com, or use the ‘SEB cares’ mobile app or web portal.
