Kota Kinabalu: Eleven large power consumers here and in Tambunan were raided by the Energy Commission (ST), SESB and police on suspicion of illegal electricity connection activities.SESB Managing Director Abd Razak Sallim said the joint operation was carried out over three days beginning Feb. 8 in several locations and involved raids and surprise inspections on commercial and industrial users.
"Since 2006, all claims of loss of revenue amounting to more than RM250,000 have been successfully obtained from consumers who were hauled to court for tampering of meters in their premises," he said.
In addition, SESB also conducted integrated operations in slum areas throughout the State.
Last year, 182 operations were carried out and an estimated 5,000 houses engaged in this activity were identified in 77 squatter areas in Kota Kinabalu, Tawau, Sandakan, Lahad Datu and Semporna.
On average approximately 50-100kg of various types of wires were confiscated during each operation and SESB estimated losses of RM1.8 million as a result of this activity last year.
Illegal electricity connection activities in slum areas also caused frequent disruptions to paying consumers.
Under Section 37 of the Electricity Supply Act 1990, any person convicted of doing illegal activities or tampering with the SESB electricity meter can be fined not exceeding RM100,000 or imprisonment not exceeding three years or both.
SESB would continue working with the Energy Commission (EC) to combat illegal electricity connections in squatter areas and electricity theft activities throughout the State because these activities are dangerous and can be fatal, he said.
