Two Labuan nitespots raided for power theft
Published on: Sunday, September 15, 2019
By: Iffah Dilaney
LABUAN: Two local entertainment premises at Jalan Bunga Dahlia (Chinatown), here, were found to have tampered with their electric meters during a raid by the Energy Commission and Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB).
SESB acting managing director Ir. Abdul Nasser Abdul Wahid said after several months of close observation by its special task force, the premises were raided on suspicion of stealing electricity.
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“We estimate that the premises are responsible to have brought a loss of tens of thousands of ringgit to SESB.
“However, we will know of the accurate figure only seven days after a new meter has been set up at the premises,” he said.
Energy Commission Deputy Director (Development and Enforcement Coordination) Ir. Shafei Mohamed said that investigation papers will be opened and action will be taken against the owners or operators of the premises.
The cases are being investigated under Section 37(1) and 37(3) of the Power Supply Act 1990, which provides for a fine of up to RM1 million or five years imprisonment, or both, upon conviction.
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“This illegal practice of tampering with the electric meter, doing illegal adjustments or bypassing the meter is not only against the law but poses a risk to consumers,” he told reporters during a press conference at the SESB building here Friday.
Shafei also disclosed that 1,389 premises in all major towns in Sabah and Labuan were inspected this year.
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Of the number, 369 cases of electricity theft were recorded, incurring losses amounting to RM2,560,992.23 for the power provider.
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