Sesco gets RM334,040.24 from Sibu-based company for meter tampering

KUCHING, July 5, 2017: The Sibu Sessions Court has ordered a soft drinks and water company to pay Syarikat Sesco Berhad (Sesco) a total sum of RM334,040.24 for meter tampering.

 Syarikat Sesco Berhad wins court case against Sibu-based soft drinks and water company for meter tampering

The amount represented an estimated loss in revenue incurred by Sesco due to meter tampering, together with interest and legal costs.

The judgment was delivered on June 16 this year.

Sesco took court action against the company, situated along Jalan Teku Barat, Sibu, after detecting electricity meter installed at the company's premises had been tampered with.

In a statement, Sesco said the electricity meter was detected to have irregularities before it was replaced in July 2012.

"Before the meter replacement, the average monthly electricity consumption of the premises was unrealistically low for a fully operating business of manufacturing, producing and sale of soft drinks and drinking water," Sesco said.

"Other than the consumption pattern, physical evidence of tampering was clear," it added.

Previously, the company’s application for an injunction to prevent Sesco from disconnecting electricity supply to its premises was also dismissed by the High Court and Court of Appeal, with costs.

As the company was on Sesco’s list of repeat offenders, the monthly electricity consumption of the business was being closely monitored.

Sesco reminded the public that stealing electricity is not only illegal, but it is also a dangerous crime as it endangers lives and causes damage to electrical appliances.

Sesco will continue to actively carry out meter inspections and investigations throughout the state by working closely with the authorities, relevant agencies and members of the public.

Offenders will be charged under Section 33 (5) of the Electricity Ordinance which carries a penalty of RM100,000.00 and/or five years imprisonment.

Sesco’s on-going efforts to curb power theft have recorded significant success and the company extends its appreciation to members of the public for their assistance in providing information on such cases.

Those with information on power theft are advised to contact Sesco’s power theft hotline at 082-443535 or email customercare@sarawakenergy.com.my. All information will be kept strictly confidential.