KOTA KINABALU: The prevailing bad weather condition since Saturday has severely affected electricity supply in several districts in Sabah and Labuan, said the Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB) yesterday.
SESB general manager (corporate communication) Chendramata Hj Sinteh said the power supply disruptions were quite extensive in the districts of Kota Kinabalu, Papar, Beaufort and Tuaran due to fallen trees and toppled electric poles that snapped the transmission lines.
She said some transformer stations were flooded and landslides occurred in several areas that also resulted in power supply cut-off to consumer premises.
“The priority of the repair works are focused on areas that have safety risks to the public as the electricity lines snapped while the supply recovery works are carried in stages and subject to weather factors,” said Chendramata in a statement.
To speed up power supply restoration works, she said SESB had added more standby teams in all the affected areas such as Kota Kinabalu, Papar, Beaufort, Tuaran, Kudat, Kota Marudu, Kota Belud, Ranau, Keningau, Tenom, Tambunan, Kuala Penyu, Tambunan and Federal Territory of Labuan.
However, she said recovery works could not be carried out at the time of heavy rains and strong winds for the safety of SESB staff members and contractors.
“The public are also advised not to approach the transformer premises that have been flooded or where electricity lines had snapped because the electric current may not be turned off and may cause electrical shock,” Chendramata added.
Consumers are advised to contact SESB Careline at 15454 and 088-515000 if electricity supply to their area is cut off. Users can also send texts of power supply disruptions to SESB via WhatsApp application at 019-852 5427.