Observe safety requirements near power lines, substations — SESB
SEMPORNA: Sabah Electricity Sdn. Bhd. (SESB) is advising the public to strictly adhere to safety requirements when putting up items near the SESB's power lines and substation facilities, such as banners, decorative ornaments like the ‘Sambulayang' for the coming Regatta Lepa to avoid safety issues and power disruptions.
SESB distribution general manager Addie Ahmad said they are presently educating the general public over the need to adhere to the safety requirements as the statistics related to power disruption has increased by 4 cases in 2018 compared to 2017.
He disclosed the number of accidents related to power generation and supply reported for 2018 in the state stood at 21 cases, which include a fatality, and reflects the need for general public awareness on safety near SESB's properties.
Addie said SESB is educating the public through various media and will continue to do so in the hope that disruptions and accidents can be reduced.
The safety requirement is 8 feet from any SESB's utilities such as substations, power cables or lamp posts, which has not been taken seriously by the public when conducting any activities within the zone that can lead to electric shocks, he said yesterday.
On the upcoming Regatta Lepa celebration in Semporna, he said, the ‘Sambulayang' decorative ornaments has the potential to injure or even cause death if proper precautions are not taken, adding that any accidents can also create power supply disturbances.
He also urged the public to go through legal means when connecting power to their premises as they could risk property damage and even casualty.
In the survey operation conducted by the district's SESB led by its area manager Nor Azza Dianty Ibrahim, SESB found that some decorative ornaments put up for the festival are potential hazards.
The findings of the survey have been reported to the district office for further action.