ELECTRICITY THEFT: An illegal wiring connection without meter at a house in Taman Helston.
KUCHING: In a recent Sesco meter inspection operation here, Sesco’s meter inspection team found that many newly developed luxurious housing at Taman Helston, Jalan Stutong Baru had their electricity supply connected without meters.
According to a press statement from Sesco, these residential houses were recently developed and customers had moved in since beginning of this year.
However, some customers moved in without Sesco’s electricity meter installed and directly connected their electricity supply instead.
This is considered theft of electricity and is a serious offence.
A Sesco spokesman warned that direct connection without meter is extremely dangerous, as the internal wirings have not been approved by Sesco.
“Without official approval from Sesco, this means that the internal wiring has not been confirmed to be safe for use.
“This can cause damage to electrical appliances and electrocution to the occupants as in the event of short circuit, the protection device may not be able to cut off the supply. Untested and unsafe wiring can catch fire and cause loss to life and property,” said the spokesman adding that the house owner will face problem in claiming damages from insurance company as the wiring has not been approved by Sesco.
Upon detection of illegal connection without meter, the electricity supply will be disconnected immediately and the customers will be charged arrears for electricity consumed accordingly.
Members of the public are reminded that if the new house is given the supply without the meter, it means that Sesco has not approved the wiring.
The public should ensure that Sesco meters have been installed before moving into their new houses. They must check with their internal wiring contractor to ensure that meter application documents and meter testing results have been submitted to Sesco for approval.
Direct connection without meter for renovation purposes is also strictly prohibited.
The housing developer and electrical wiring contractor will be issued with warning letter by Sesco if illegal connections without electricity meters are detected. The warning letter will also be extended to the Electrical Inspectorate Unit (EIU) of the Ministry of Public Utilities for record and necessary actions.
Serious cases will result in the contractor’s licence revoked.
Sesco will continue to inspect all new housing projects to ensure the electricity wirings are safe for use. If in doubt, the public can always refer to the nearest Sesco office for clarification.
Sesco reiterate that stealing electricity is a dangerous crime and punishable under section 33(5) of the Electricity Ordinance and punishable with a fine up to RM100,000 or imprisonment of five years or both.