Tabuan Laru resident latest power thief nabbed by Sarawak Energy

KUCHING: A resident of Tabuan Laru here was recently found with a tampered electricity meter wiring system, joining a growing number of power thieves nabbed based on information received from the public.

Sarawak Energy Bhd, in a statement yesterday, said this increased awareness of the dangerous crime and public willingness to act provided a positive indication of the success of its ongoing anti-power theft campaign.

“Sarawak Energy’s meter inspection team from its utility arm, Syarikat Sesco Bhd and their auxiliary police, raided the premises and found evidence of direct tapping of electricity supply from the meter cut-out to the house, bypassing the electricity meter.

‘On-site investigations revealed that the direct-tapping cables were hidden behind the electricity meter. Past billing records showed low monthly power consumption at approximately RM20 per month, despite heavy use of airconditioners,” it said.

Sarawak Energy also said preliminary investigations revealed that the house was being rented out to a tenant and the meter was seized during the raid for evidence.

A police report was also lodged – both the tenant and the landlord would be called in for statements.

“The Ministry of Utilities’ Electricity Inspectorate Unit (EIU) and the State Attorney General will commence legal action against the perpetrators for the offence of stealing electricity under Section 33(5) of the Electricity Ordinance.

“Sarawak Energy may also proceed with commercial action to recover arrears for the cost of stolen electricity,” it added.

It also stressed that Sarawak Energy would continue to carry out meter inspections and investigations with the Ministry of Utilities and the police, and reminded the public that power theft is a crime that carries a penalty of RM100,000 and/or five years’ imprisonment, if found guilty.

“It is also a dangerous act that endangers lives and damages customers’ properties including electrical appliances, which may lead to fire.

“Customers are reminded not to trust any service providers claiming to be able to reduce electricity bills or to allow premises owners to enjoy limitless electricity usage.

“Landlords renting out their houses are advised to have the accounts registered under the tenant’s name in order to protect themselves from any liability in the event of meter irregularities,” it said.

Sarawak Energy appreciates the tip-offs from members of the public and encourages them to continue reporting to the group on any power theft information, including details of power theft service providers, via Sarawak Energy’s Customer Care Centre on 1-300-88-3111.

All information will be kept strictly confidential.