11 power thefts cost SESB RM220,000 in losses — GM
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Electricity Sdn. Bhd. (SESB) recorded its latest estimated losses of RM220,000 due to electricity thefts by 11 premises in and around the city centre.
According to SESB general manager (asset management) Ir. Norhizami Abu Hasan, the amount was accumulated over a period of four to 30 months by 11 premises in Kota Kinabalu, Inanam, Lok Kawi Industrial Estate and Penampang. The premises included general stores, cold storage and tyre and car accessory outlets, among others.
The recent losses were detected during a two-day joint operation by SESB and the Energy Commission, which ended March 6. This added to existing losses of RM4 million accumulated from 2017.
“The operation was conducted based on intelligence continuously obtained by SESB. This is an ongoing operation but this time around it was more detailed with support and cooperation from the Energy Commission.
“This effort will be extended to all areas throughout Sabah as well as Labuan, through methods such as routine inspection, checking record of electricity usage, acting on public reports and raids, like during the recent two-day operation,” he said.
Speaking at a press conference yesterday, Norhizami cautioned against electricity theft not only because of the legal aspect, but because it could have adverse effects on premises owners as well as their neighbours, with heightened risk of short circuits and fires.
Energy Commission deputy director Ir. Shafie Mohamed said all 11 premises raided during the operation had proof of electricity theft, whether it was meter or cable tampering, which resulted in lower readings of electricity consumption. Devices used to lower those readings were also confiscated.
“Upon inspection, it was found that there were alterations made to the electricity meters to bypass their connections as well as additional cables to charge electricity. After being tampered with, the meter recorded only about 60 per cent of actual electricity consumption,” he said.
Shafie reminded that those found guilty under the Electricity Supply Act 1990 could face up to 10 years behind bars or a maximum fine of RM5 million, or both.
Meanwhile, he advised users against “electricity saving” gadgets as it might inadvertently contribute to electricity thefts. He said some users who were unfamiliar with the gadgets might end up contributing to the activity and urged them to avoid using devices with unknown components.
In terms of saving electricity, Shafie said the devices could not guarantee it as authorities did not evaluate that element of it.