KUCHING: Two residents of Jalan Hup Kee, Kuching were suspected of stealing electricity during a joint enforcement operation by Sarawak Energy’s operations and utility arm, Syarikat SESCO Berhad (SESCO) and the Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication (MUT) Sarawak.
At both double-storey semi-detached houses, the team uncovered underground tapping cables that had been illegally connected to the incoming mains and concealed to avoid detection.
“Contractors were called in to break through concrete before the cables were dismantled and seized as evidence,” said SESCO in a press statement today (Sep23).
“A police report has been lodged and investigations are underway under Section 33(5) of the Electricity Ordinance. Offenders face fines of up to RM200,000 and/or imprisonment of up to five years upon conviction.
“Electricity theft is a criminal offence that endangers not only the perpetrators but also their neighbours. Unauthorised connections can cause appliance damage, short circuits, fires, even the loss of life,
“SESCO takes such offences seriously and continues to work closely with enforcement agencies to ensure offenders are prosecuted,” it said.
This case adds to the growing number of enforcement actions recorded this year under SESCO and MUT’s anti-power theft campaign. These joint operations aim to protect law-abiding customers from unfair costs and safety hazards while also raising awareness of the dangers and consequences of electricity theft.
Members of the public are reminded to be wary of individuals or service providers who claim they can lower electricity bills through unauthorised means.
Suspicious activities should be reported to Sarawak Energy’s Customer Care Centre at 1300-88-3111 or by email at customercare@sarawakenergy.com. All reports will be kept strictly confidential.
