Transformer theft leaves residents in the dark
MIRI: The delay in connecting electricity to 13 new houses in Tudan Desaras 6 is due to theft of Sarawak Energy Berhad’s transformer.
According to the Assistant Minister of Tourism, Art and Culture, Datuk Lee Kim Shin, the transformer had been installed in the area, but were stolen immediately after.
“This (the delay) is not SEB’s fault. It has set up a substation and the next step was to connect electricity to the respective houses. Unfortunately, the transformer was stolen and the connection could not be made,” he told reporters during a site visit to the area to check on the electrification project there.
Lee added that 46 houses had been approved for electricity connection in the current phase of the Rural Electrification Scheme at a cost of RM250,000, which is subsidised by the government.
“Even the wiring inside the houses is partly subsidised by the government,” he said, adding that 33 houses had already been connected to the grid since September last year.
Lee said SEB would install a new transformer the area, which is expected to be ready by March.
“Once the substation is ready, electicity will be connected to the remaining 13 houses by April,” he said.
Lee also urged the residents to be aware of suspicious characters in their midst.
“Please work closely with the police to prevent the theft of SEB transformers, Telekom cables, water metres and other facilities.
“These theft cases are making life difficult for the people. For example, the theft of transformers is leaving people without eletricity.
He also advised house owners to watch over their houses once the wiring is done to prevent theft of wire.
Lee said squatters who received land lot in Tudan Desaras are provided with various facilities by the government such as road, electricity and clean water supplies.
“For those who have not applied for the electricity supply, or have just moved into this new resettlement area, they should submit their application through my office. I will help them get in touch with SEB. There is a process to follow before the application can be approved.
“For water supply, a big water pipe has been laid and the new residents can immediately apply to have clean water connected to their respective houses. They need to fill up a form and submit it to Laku. There is also a connection fee which will be charged by Laku,” he said.
Those still building their houses can also start appplying for water supply so that it can be connected immediately once the houses are completed.
“My personal assistant, Eric Chin, and my staff will go to the ground to distribute the forms as well,” he said.