KOTA KINABALU, January 27 - Energy Commission of Sabah (ECoS) records 28 electrical accident cases across Sabah since 2024 until 27 January 2025, with nine involving loss of human lives.
ECoS has initiated prosecution in court for one of the accident cases involving the death of two contractor workers in Kota Marudu before Judge A. Akhirudin Acho at the Sabah and Sarawak Sessions Court in Kota Marudu.
During the case mention session, the accused pleaded not guilty, and the judge set the trial dates for 24 and 25 February, 2025. The charge was made under Section 55 of the 2024 Electricity Supply Enactment (EBE) 2024, and if found guilty, the accused could face a fine not exceeding RM300,000 or imprisonment not exceeding 3 years, or both.
ECoS Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Ir. Abdul Nasser Abdul Wahid, said, "According to statistics, there were 12 fatal electrical accidents and 15 non-fatal cases recorded last year. One of the highest causes of these electrical accidents is activities near electrical lines carried out without the permission of Sabah Electricity (SE), the utility owner."
He added that there were also cases caused by electricity theft in squatter settlements, attempts to steal electrical installations in SESB substations, and poorly maintained electrical installations.
Commenting further, Nasser stated that besides court prosecution, ECoS also issued eight compounds last year, with the compound amounts ranging from RM10,000 to RM150,000 depending on the type of offense. "ECoS warns any party intending to carry out work near SE installations to obtain permission from the company before proceeding, in accordance with Section 55 of the Electricity Supply Enactment (EBE) 2024 and will continue its initiatives to raise public awareness programs in Sabah on the importance of electrical safety," said Nasser.
Commenting further, Nasser stated that besides court prosecution, ECoS also issued eight compounds last year, with the compound amounts ranging from RM10,000 to RM150,000 depending on the type of offense.
"ECoS warns any party intending to carry out work near SE installations to obtain permission from the company before proceeding, in accordance with Section 55 of the Electricity Supply Enactment (EBE) 2024 and will continue its initiatives to raise public awareness programs in Sabah on the importance of electrical safety," said Nasser.
He also emphasised that all Competent Persons serving in Sabah must obtain a Certificate of Competency from ECoS in accordance with Regulation 60 of the Electricity Supply Regulations (PPBE) 2024. Several other cases are being investigated by ECoS and may face court prosecution or be compounded.