SESB's fault for not collecting payment at 1B
Published on: Wednesday, July 25, 2018
Labuan: Activist Fung Ket Wing said while it is a relief that Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB) has restored power supply to 1Borneo Hypermall, thus ending the misery of scores of tenants, workers, guests and others, it has not explained why it allowed the arrears to snowball to RM9 million."Why did SESB allowed the mall to swell up its debts to exceed millions of ringgit? Why was no action taken earlier when the payments due had exceeded the amount deposited with SESB?.
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In most similar cases involving small companies and individuals prompt action is taken and power supplies unplugged till payment is made."Fung wondered whether SESB was giving preferential treatments to its big clients, "if this was the case then it smacks of discrimination and double standard."Fung noted that when he was the MP for Sandakan he came across cases where supplies are cut off even though the paid deposits were sufficient to cover the outstanding amount. Even in the cases of water supply this were happening.Fung hoped that the minister responsible would ensure that the same rules were applied and also tolerance shown when necessary.
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Power supplies to the air-conditioning unit of the mall was discontinued by SESB after an outstanding bill of RM9.3 million was recorded. The problem was resolved after intervention by a few politicians and the mall management started to pay by installments and cleared some of the outstanding. Though the matter has been resolved the mall had gone into news for the wrong reasons.
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Labuan also had a similar case earlier this year though of a small scale. Three villages due to unpaid bills amounting to RM548,000 by the wholesale provider of power to the villages. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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The matter was also resolved following intervention by the local Member of Parliament Datuk Rozman Isli. It affected 800 families. - Sohan Das