KOTA KINABALU, 14 February - The Energy Commission of Sabah (ECoS) views seriously the widespread cases of electricity theft through meter tampering, which has resulted in revenue losses for Sabah Electricity (SE) estimated at more than RM18 million throughout 2024.
"Last year, ECoS conducted joint raids with SE at 21 industrial and commercial premises. As a result of these raids, 15 cases of meter tampering were found, causing losses to SE exceeding RM3 million. As of February 2025, nine cases have been prosecuted in court, and all have pleaded guilty, with one case being compounded for RM50,000. Three more cases are in the court prosecution process, and two cases are still under investigation," explained ECoS Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Ir. Abdul Nasser Abdul Wahid.
He added, "Besides facing prosecution or being compounded by ECoS, SE can also recover losses from offenders based on Section 63(6) of the Electricity Supply Enactment 2024." According to Section 61(3) of the Electricity Supply Enactment 2024, any premise owner or commercial and industrial operator can be fined not less than RM20 thousand up to RM1 million or imprisoned for a period not exceeding five years or both; and for second and subsequent offenses, can be fined not less than RM100,000 up to RM5 million or imprisoned for a period not exceeding 10 years or both.
"ECoS also warns any parties found to be complicit in meter tampering or illegal electrical wiring that they can also be prosecuted under Section 62 of the Electricity Supply Enactment 2024," said Nasser. He also warned any premises conducting meter tampering to stop such dishonest acts or face legal action. ECoS will implement more enforcement activities this year to detect electricity theft cases, including at domestic premises.