KUCHING, Nov 14, 2016- Syarikat SESCO Berhad (Sesco)
together with Electrical Inspectorate Unit (EIU) inspectors from the Ministry
of Public Utilities and the local police found evidence of power theft at a
massage parlour and a snooker centre located within the same building at Jalan
Foochow.
Sesco technician locating the direct tapping cable hidden
in the ceiling (picture, left)
The team conducted an inspection of the premises for
suspected meter tampering recently, after a warrant was granted by the
Magistrate’s Court. The centres are owned by the same operator with a history
of meter tampering.
In the operation, the Sesco technical team detected
illegal direct tapping cables connected from incoming mains wirings directly to
electrical appliances such as air conditioning units in both premises,
bypassing Sesco meters.
The landlord of the premises was present during the
inspection.
Sesco technicians also found a hidden switch installed
behind the cash counter of the snooker center used to control the illegal
direct tapping and to avoid detection by Sesco.
A Sesco spokesperson said: “Direct tapping is not just
illegal, it is very dangerous and can easily cause fire. This is an irresponsible act that compromises
the safety of the patrons.
"The operator concealed the ceiling where the
incoming mains wirings to both premises were installed with plaster deck to
hide the direct tap.
"However, our highly-trained inspection team members
were able to detect the illegal connection and proceeded to disconnect and
seize the direct tapping cables.”
All the exhibits including direct tapping cables, illegal
switches and meters were seized by Sesco as evidence for prosecution in court.
A police report was also lodged and the operator will be called in to assist in
the investigation.
The public are reminded that concealing incoming mains wirings
is illegal and dangerous, especially in the event of an emergency where the
wiring system needs to be disconnected or removed.
Stealing electricity is a dangerous crime punishable
under Section 33(5) of the Electricity Ordinance and carries a fine of RM100,
000 or 5 years imprisonment or both if the offender is convicted.
Sesco will continue to actively carry out meter
inspection and investigation operations throughout the state with assistance
from the Ministry of Public Utilities and police.
Responsible
citizens with information on power theft are encouraged to contact Sesco’s
power theft hotline at 082-443535 or email
customercare@sarawakenergy.com.my. All
information will be kept confidential.
ENDS
The illegal direct tapping cable traced to the customer’s
main switch board and found connected directly to the air condition units of
both premises. (Picture, right)
