Nine premises caught stealing power

Kota Kinabalu: A total of nine premises were caught stealing power during the two-day integrated operation conducted by the Energy Commission (ST) and Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB). Out of the figure, seven were found to have tampered with the meters, while two were found to have installed illegal connections that did not go through designated meters.

Records by SESB showed some of the premises were found to have been violating the law for between five months and 27 months, with the losses incurred amounting to RM74,000.

The operation, which ended on Wednesday, was focused on food outlets, hotels, cold storage, office stores and beauty centres in several locations, namely in Penampang, Inanam, Sembulan and Alam Mesra. Sabah West Coast Energy Commission Director Nazlin Ab Alim Sidiki disclosed this during a media conference held at Wisma SESB, here, Friday.

Also present were Energy Commission (ST) Enforcement Head Iffah Hannah Muluk and Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB) Deputy General Manager (Division) Ridwan Saham.

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She said this was the first such operation held in the State as well as Labuan this year.

"The cases are being investigated by us in the ST for legal action while SESB will claim for losses from the account holders concerned," she said.

She said under the law, the proprietors can be charged under Section 37(3) and or Section 37(14) of the Electrical Supply (Amendment) Act 2015 for stealing power and damaging electrical meters.

Meanwhile, Iffah Hannah said when offences are found, SESB has the authority to disconnect the power supply in the premises.

"Before disconnection is done, SESB has the responsibility to issue a notice to the proprietors, we do not immediately disconnect the power supply," she explained, adding that a 48-hour notice is given prior to disconnection of the utility supply.

On how serious power stealing offences are in Sabah, Ridwan Saham said from November last year to March this year, a total of 2,119 registered premises, including domestic and commercial premises, have been inspected by the SESB enforcement unit.

"Out of the premises inspected, we detected 276 cases and this shows it is serious," he said.

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Towards this end, both ST and SESB advised consumers to use the proper method of energy saving instead of opting for illegal methods. The advice was given after it was brought to their attention that various gadgets and even so-called energy saving cards which could be used to conserve energy are available in the market.

"It is up to the consumers to decide whether they want to use it or not, but it is not advisable since there is no solid proof that it actually works," they said.

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