SESB INCURS OVER RM3 MLN LOSSES DUE TO ELECTRICTY THEFT IN 15 PREMISES - ECOS

SANDAKAN, June 13 (Bernama) -- The Energy Commission of Sabah (ECoS) recently raided 15 premises in Kota Kinabalu, Kota Belud, Tuaran as well as here for making illegal electricity connections which included tampering with the Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB) meters resulting in SESB losing more than RM3 million.

Its chief executive officer, Datuk Abdul Nasser Abdul Wahid said of the 15 premises involved, 10 theft cases were found involving shrimp farm premises, tourism centres, furniture shops, restaurants, ice factories, seafood processing factories and entertainment centres.

"ECoS seized evidence such as illegal cables, modified electricity meters, and electronic equipment used to tamper with SESB meters," he told reporters after the inauguration of the ECoS Sandakan Office here today.

Without wanting to reveal the specific date of the raids, he said the raids carried out together with the SESB also inspected the electrical installation in the premises involved and succeeded in detecting the use of 20 unregistered and unlicensed generator units.

Additionally, Abdul Nasir said ECoS can take legal action against the owners of the premises as well as on parties who conspire to tamper with meters or illegal electricity wiring in accordance with the Electricity Supply Enactment 2024.

"Based on the 10 possible cases, they will be highlighted for further investigation and after that follow-up action (going to court) according to the facts and evidence of the case," he said.

He also said that SESB can also reclaim losses incurred from wrongdoers based on Section 63(6) of the Electricity Supply Enactment 2024.

Meanwhile, he added, the opening of the Sabah East Coast Regional ECoS Office is to help facilitate business and provide access to services related to licence registration including complaints.

Abdul Nasir also reminded electricity consumers not to engage in activities such as meter tampering to avoid legal action.

-- BERNAMA