Conman posing as Sesco employee arrested
KUCHING: Police arrested a man posing as a Syarikat Sesco Berhad staff member on Nov 16 after he was found issuing customers with fake meter seizure orders purportedly for suspected tampered meters.
He allegedly persuaded the customers to pay him directly to replace their meters on the pretext of helping them avoid the penalty of meter tampering charges, if the cases were to be officially reported to Sesco.
Customers deceived into paying the suspect did not get replacement meters.
Acting on reports lodged by the public, the police launched an investigation and worked closely with Sesco, leading to the suspect’s arrest within 24 hours.
He was charged under Section 170 of the Penal Code for impersonating a public servant, which provides for a maximum of two years in prison, or a fine, or both.
“The victims were able to positively identify the suspect. The police are still searching for another two suspects to assist in this investigation,” a Sesco spokesperson said in a statement yesterday.
“So far there are four reported cases in three areas – Matang, Semaba and Samariang in Kuching. Police believe that there are more customers who have fallen victim to this scam, but decided not to make any police report.”
The spokesperson added there could be more members of the syndicate still at large.
“We advise members of the public to be vigilant and to contact us or the police immediately when approached by suspicious characters claiming to be Sesco personnel,” added the spokesperson.
Sesco reminded the public that its personnel are not authorised to receive money directly from customers at site.
Payments can only be accepted at the appropriate Sesco office or at any Sesco counter.
All Sesco personnel are issued with staff identification cards ( ID) to introduce themselves to customers at site.
Members of the public who have experienced similar cases or are asked to pay directly to individuals for Sesco services are urged to contact the Customer Care Centre on 1300883111, a nearby police station, or investigating officer Inspector Zulsafri on 014- 5815032.