MIRI: The Sessions Court recently ruled in favour of the Utilities Ministry in a power theft case against a renowned supermarket chain operating in Batu Niah near here — an offence under Section 33(5) of the Electricity Ordinance.
The prosecution was led by DPP Ronald Felix Hardin and legal officer Mohamad Fuad Ahmad from the Sarawak Attorney-General (SAG) Chambers, while the accused was represented by a legal counsel.
The supermarket was charged on July 19 and claimed trial, but later changed the plea to guilty on Aug 8 before Sessions Court Judge Steve Ritikos, who passed the sentenced on the same day.
The ministry’s spokesperson disclosed that the offence was committed in 2015 when Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) received a public tip-off. This led to an operation to inspect the meter, which resulted in its seizure for further investigation.
The meter was later sent to a laboratory for post-mortem and foreign objects like switches, wires and resistors were found inside.
This is a common method used by power theft syndicates to tamper with the meter, preventing it from registering the actual consumption of energy. The court’s decision marks another milestone in SEB’s efforts to curb power theft in Sarawak and this ongoing effort has recorded significant successes.
The ministry would like to remind the public that stealing electricity is a crime as it endangers lives and could damage the electrical appliances of consumers.
Power theft is a criminal offence under Section 33(5) of the Electricity Ordinance, which provides for a penalty of RM100,000 and or five years imprisonment.
SEB will continue to actively carry out meter inspections and investigations throughout Sarawak by working closely with the ministry, police and SAG. Those with information on power theft can call the hotline number 082-443 535 or email customercare@sarawakenergy.com.my. All information will be kept strictly confidential.
