KUCHING (Bernama) – Electricity thieves in Sarawak are now resorting to underground power tapping as a new tactic to evade detection, state-owned energy provider Sarawak Energy Berhad revealed on Thursday.
In a statement, Sarawak Energy reported that two recent cases were uncovered at Jalan Kapor and Jalan Stampin Tengah during inspections conducted by its operational and retail arm, Syarikat SESCO Berhad (SESCO).
“Power theft through underground direct tapping is extremely dangerous as it violates safety standards. It poses significant risks, including electrical fires, electrocution, and infrastructure damage. It also threatens the stability of the electricity supply and impacts nearby communities,” the statement read.
Initial investigations by SESCO revealed that the illegal connections involved direct tapping cables hidden in concrete outside residential properties, bypassing electricity meters.
The cases are being investigated under Section 33(5) of the Electricity Ordinance, which carries penalties of up to MYR200,000 and/or imprisonment of up to five years.
