KUCHING: Repeated incidents of underground cable damage linked to ongoing construction works, particularly under the Kuching Urban Transportation (KUT) Project, have prompted SESCO Bhd to reinforce safety awareness among contractors and developers.
In 2025, 48 cases of underground cable damage were recorded, resulting in unplanned electricity disruptions in several areas across Kuching.
SESCO Bhd’s Chief Executive Officer, Lau Kim Swee, said that beyond inconvenience to consumers and businesses, such incidents pose serious safety risks to technical personnel tasked with restoring power supply.
“Whenever underground cables are damaged, supply interruptions are unavoidable. What is often overlooked is the danger faced by our field crews, who have to carry out urgent repairs in high-risk environments,” he said.
Lau said this when met after the Sarawak Energy Bhd (SEB) Media Appreciation Night, held at a hotel here last night (Jan 16).
He added that greater caution and discipline are needed during excavation and construction activities, especially in areas with existing underground electrical infrastructure.
“As a preventive measure, SESCO has continuously reminded all contractors to engage with us before starting any excavation through the ‘Call Before You Dig’ initiative,” he said.
Under the initiative, SESCO will deploy technical teams to construction sites to identify cable routes and provide guidance, ensuring works are carried out safely and without disrupting electricity supply.
“This requirement applies to all projects, not just large-scale developments such as KUT or ART. Even small construction works must obtain prior confirmation from SESCO,” Lau added.
He emphasised that early coordination helps prevent avoidable outages, costly repairs and safety risks to workers on the ground.
