KUCHING: Two men have been caught tampering with the wiring system of a house at Tabuan Tranquility during an anti-power theft operation.
The two suspects, aged 47 and 33, are believed to be operating an illegal business providing electricity theft services.
They were detained at the scene and later taken into police custody for further investigation. The tools used in the crime were also seized as evidence.
The arrest was made possible after months of surveillance by the anti-power theft team consisting of personnel from Sarawak Energy’s utility arm Syarikat Sesco Berhad (Sesco), Electrical Inspectorate Unit (EIU) of the Ministry of Utilities and the police.
The illegal act came to light after a public tip-off.
Close surveillance results indicated that the illegal activity was high at Tabuan Tranquility and nearby areas, prompting Sarawak Energy to conduct more anti-power theft operations there.
Based on police information, one of the suspects is also wanted for other criminal cases and the court has granted a four-day remand to enable the police to carry out further investigation.
It is believed that this case may lead to more arrests.
The house owner was also called up by the police to assist in investigation.
From information gathered, the house owner is believed to have used the illegal service since 2017 and had never applied for power connection.
Based on the supply loading measured at the premises during the raid, the electricity consumption for the premises was quite high, and estimated to reach RM800 per month.
Charges for the stolen electricity will be recovered from the customer based on estimated consumption for the two years of illegal supply.
Sarawak Energy will continue to work closely with the police and reminded its customers that subscribing to or committing this illegal activity is a crime under Section 33(5) of the Electricity Ordinance, which carries a penalty of RM100,000 and/or five years’ imprisonment if found guilty.
Members of the public can continue to report on any power theft via the Sarawak Energy hotline at 082-443535. All information will be kept strictly confidential.
