KUCHING: A vandalised high-voltage underground cable near Kampung Gita resulted in a power outage at the Matang 33KV substation here around 1:30 p.m. on May 12.
Syarikat SESCO Berhad (SESCO), the retail arm of Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB), promptly dispatched a technical team to address the issue, completing repairs by 1 am on May 13.
Evidence of flashover marks at the site suggested possible injuries to the vandals. SESCO has filed a police report and intends to enhance security patrols to prevent future incidents.
A SESCO press release issued yesterday highlighted the alarming frequency of vandalism incidents, with 205 cases recorded on SESCO’s facilities across Sarawak since 2023, including 36 in Kuching alone, resulting in losses exceeding RM3 million.
Sarawak Utility and Telecommunication Minister, Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi, emphasised the importance of public cooperation in combatting vandalism and urged individuals to report such activities to the authorities.
Tan Joo Kok, regional manager for the Western Region, expressed concerns about the safety risks and public inconvenience caused by these acts. In response to the escalating issue, Sarawak Energy plans to intensify night patrols and implement advanced sensors to detect unauthorised activities.
The company also collaborates with authorities to inspect recycling centres and monitor the trade of stolen copper cables.
The public is encouraged to report any suspicious activities to Sarawak Energy’s 24-hour Customer Care Centre at 1300-88-3111 or via email at customercare@sarawakenergy.com.
