KUCHING: Sarawak Energy, through its operations and retail arm Syarikat SESCO Berhad (SESCO), has reminded third-party contractors to exercise caution when working near electrical infrastructure and to contact the utility before carrying out piling or excavation works.
The utility warned that unsafe digging could damage underground cables, leading to power outages and disruptions to other essential services such as water supply. More critically, such incidents pose serious safety risks, including electrocution, fires, injuries, and potential loss of life.
The advisory follows an incident on Dec 22 in Asajaya, where underground cables were damaged during piling works near Klinik Kesihatan Serpan. The incident affected the water treatment plant and power supply to customers in Asajaya, Sebuyau, Sadong Jaya, Sebangan, and parts of Simunjan.
According to Sarawak Energy, SESCO’s technical team responded swiftly, restoring supply to Sebuyau and Simunjan, including the water treatment plant, by 3.51 pm, while power in Asajaya was fully restored by 5 pm.
The company stressed that incidents of this nature highlight the far-reaching consequences of unsafe excavation near electrical facilities, as damage to underground cables not only interrupts electricity supply but can also disrupt key services relied upon by households, schools, businesses, and community facilities.
Sarawak Energy General Manager for Rural Electrification Nazry Abdul Latip said any works near electrical facilities must strictly follow established safety protocols.
“Failure to comply not only endangers workers but also disrupts essential services to communities,” he added.
For the recent incident, SESCO has issued stop-work orders and will proceed with warning letters and cost-recovery measures against the parties involved.
The utility is also strengthening engagement with relevant agencies and contractors to reinforce compliance and safeguard critical infrastructure. Patrols in high-risk areas will be intensified, and unsafe activities will trigger immediate suspension of work.
SESCO reminded contractors that damaging electrical assets is a serious offence under the law and may result in financial penalties or legal action.
“Contractors are required to follow established safety procedures and consult SESCO before carrying out any works near electrical infrastructure,” it said.
Members of the public may report outages or suspicious activities near electrical facilities by contacting Sarawak Energy’s Customer Care Centre at 1300-88-3111, emailing customercare@sarawakenergy.com, using the SEB Cares mobile app or web portal, or engaging with the virtual agent CARINA.
