Sesco pulls the plugs on two premises
KUCHING: The plugs were pulled on two premises in Tabuan Jaya after they were found to be directly tapping electricity from the main wires to the second and third floor shophouse units.
According to a spokesperson from Sarawak Energy, both premises were believed to be ‘ mining cryptocurrencies and stealing electricity’ - a modus operandi that is currently on the rise in Sarawak.
“This year, Sesco has acted on 30 premises involving cryptocurrency operations for stealing electricity. Sixteen are in Miri, 13 in Kuching and one in Sibu,” said the spokesperson during an operation on power theft at one of the premises yesterday.
The spokesperson also revealed that the illegal connection was first discovered during an operation on Sept 20 and is believed to have taken place over the last six months.
The illegal connection was immediately disconnected ( Sept 20) followed by a police report. However, a follow up surveillance by Sesco on Sept 24 showed that the operators had illegally reconnected
This year, Sesco has acted on 30 premises involving cryptocurrency operations for stealing electricity. Sixteen are in Miri, 13 in Kuching and one in Sibu. Sarawak Energy spokesperson
the electricity supply.
The first premises, according to Sesco, had caused them an estimated loss of between RM10,000 to RM15,000 (one month) or RM60,000 to RM90,000 ( six months).
Sesco also estimated losses of between RM20,000 to RM25,000 (one month) or RM120,000 to RM150,000 ( six months) on the second premises.
Also present at the scene was State Police Commercial Crime Department head Supt Mustafa Kamal Ghani Abdullah.
“The police will step-in if the operators are pulling in investors to invest in a non- existent cryptocurrency,” said Mustafa adding that the case will be investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating.
He said there have been three cheating cases relating to cryptocurrency investments in Sarawak this year out of 79 cases involving illegal investments under Section 420 of the Penal Code.
“Most of the victims are between the ages of 21 and 74 years old involving losses amounting to more than RM12 million,” he added.
Meanwhile, those found guilty of stealing electricity can be charged under Section 33( 5) of the Electricity Ordinance which carries a penalty of RM100,000 and or five years imprisonment.
Sesco reportedly suffered losses of about RM80 million up to August this year due to power theft.
According to Sesco, stealing electricity is a crime that endangers lives. It can damage customer’s electrical appliances and even lead to fi re.
Sesco will continue to work closely with the police, the Malaysian Anti- Corruption Commission, the Ministry of Public Utilities in its investigation and meter inspection operations throughout the state.