SEB reports 43 cases of damaged power facilities contributed by third-party excavations
Forty-three cases of damaged electrical facilities contributed by third-party excavations have been reported so far this year, incurring damages of up to RM107,000.
In disclosing this, Sarawak Energy Bhd (SEB) said despite multiple warnings and hefty penalties being imposed on those responsible for the damage, some of the contractors continued to be careless.
“Their negligence led to underground cable being damaged, causing inconvenience to the people in the affected residences,” said the corporation in a statement yesterday.
It said excavation works done without proper planning and coordination continued to be a major cause of power supply interruptions, regardless of SEB’s continuous reminders to third-party contractors to check with the corporation regarding underground cable routes before commencing the works.
“The contractors involved would be held accountable for all costs for repairs and revenue losses due to the damage.”
Adding on, SEB said a thirdparty contractor had, on March 24, damaged an 11kV underground cable while carrying out excavation works, disrupting electricity supply to the Matang, Mile 8, Mile 9 and the surrounding areas at 5.30pm.
However, it said the SEB technical team was immediately deployed to the scene and power supply to approximately 1,100 affected customers was restored within two hours.
“Cable repair works commenced immediately and was successfully completed around 5am the next day.
“The contractor was issued a warning letter and also a stopwork order.”
SEB said the Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication Sarawak, Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DoSH) and the project owner were also notified accordingly for further action.
“As per process, the SEB would bill the contractor for the repair costs.”
SEB regional manager for Western Region, Choo Min Chong, called upon contactors to closely monitor works on-site to ensure that their workers would conduct the excavation works away from the cable route.
Choo pointed out that it was the contractors’ responsibility to avoid damaging the supply lines and more importantly, to keep their workers safe from the risk of electrocution.
“We have been communicating time and time again on how important it is to check with us (regarding) the cable routes first before proceeding with the works, and yet, we still get incidences of contractors disregarding all the precautions.
“Some have received warning letters and even faced penalties for their carelessness. This is totally unacceptable,” stressed Choo.
He added that aside from supply interruptions, coming in contact with any of the cables posed a safety hazard, which could result in injuries caused by electrocution, and even loss of lives.
“Please do not take this lightly. At the end of the day, we want to protect the safety of the workers and the public so that everyone would go home safely.”
SEB said since 2020, it had incurred approximately RM2.1 million in losses from more than 430 cases of damaged electrical facilities contributed by thirdparty excavations alone.
In this regard, the stateowned utility company said it would continue to issue warning letters and stop-work orders to any contractor found to have breached the safety standards when working near live electric cables.
“These letters are also copied to the relevant authorities so that contractors would make safety their top priority when carrying out excavation works.”
It said all contractors would be continuously reminded to call and check with SEB before proceeding with construction or excavation works to avoid damaging underground cables.
This was also to avoid causing unnecessary supply interruptions, as well as to protect the safety of the workers and the public.
“Contractors are also urged to comply with the Electricity Ordinance, the Electricity Rules 1999, and the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 in carrying out works within the vicinity of high-tension cables, or other electrical infrastructures, to ensure the safety and health of all persons involved.”
To notify of works near electrical infrastructure requiring SEB’s technical advice, the contractors may contact the 24/7 SEB Customer Care Centre on 1-300-88-3111, or via customercare@sarawakenergy.com.