Estimated loss from 15 cases of electricity theft exceeds RM3 million
SANDAKAN, June 13 – 15 premises in Kota Kinabalu, Kota Belud, Tuaran, and Sandakan, were raided by the Energy Commission of Sabah (ECoS) and Sabah Electricity Sdn. Bhd. (SESB) on suspicion of tampering with SESB meters and illegal electrical connections resulting in an estimated loss of RM3 million incurred by SESB. Out of the 15 cases, 10 theft cases were found at various premises including shrimp farms, tourist centres, furniture stores, restaurants, ice factories, seafood processing factories, and entertainment centres.
ECoS seized evidence such as illegal connection cables, tampered electric meters, and electronic equipment used to interfere with SESB meters. ECoS will take prosecutorial action in court under Sections 61(1) and Section 61(3) of the Electricity Supply Enactment 2024. On conviction for Section 61(1), be liable to a fine not exceeding RM1 million or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 10 years, or both. Meanwhile, for Section 61(3) of the same Enactment, if found guilty on conviction, be liable to a fine not less than RM20,000 and not exceeding RM1 million or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years, or both; and for the second and subsequent offences, to a fine of not less than RM100,000 and not exceeding RM5 million or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 10 years, or both Furthermore, any party found complicit in tampering with meters or making illegal electrical wiring can be charged under Section 62 of the Electricity Supply Enactment 2024. At the same time, SESB can also recover the losses incurred from the prosecuted premise owners based on Section 63 (6) of the Electricity Supply Enactment 2024. The enforcement raid also involved inspections of electrical installations, in which 20 unregistered and unlicensed generator sets were found. This offence can be fined up
to RM500,000 or imprisoned for up to 5 years, or both, under Section 8 of the Electricity Supply Enactment 2024. In a separate event, ECoS also celebrated the official opening of its East Coast Regional branch office located at Wisma Saban, Sandakan to facilitate transactions and provide easier access for stakeholders to obtain information and services related to licence registration, complaints, competency, safety, and energy efficiency. "ECoS will continue to conduct raids and enforcement activities to eradicate electricity theft and ensure that all electrical installations are registered and licensed under the Electrical Supply Enactment 2024, so that all installation activities operate safely. ECoS also issues reminders and warnings to electricity users not to engage in any meter tampering or illegal connections to avoid legal action." said Datuk Ir. Abdul Nasser.