KUCHING: Sarawak Energy Berhad has expressed its dismay over the ongoing support provided by several elected representatives to people caught stealing power.
In the case of a hawker living at Greenland Villa in Mile 11, Jalan Kuching Serian, as published in the local newspapers recently, Sarawak Energy said the meter had shown clear evidence of tampering.
A spokesperson said in a statement yesterday that the tampering was proven in the lab test and this was translated in the meter test that was found to be slow by -83 per cent .
The tampered meter was detected during a routine inspection and the meter was replaced on October 27, 2011, while a police report was lodged by Syarikat Sesco Berhad the next day.
The spokesperson said the arrears amounting to RM11,668.30 was computed using the test result method for a period of almost three years (35.53 months), from November 24, 2008, to October 26, 2011.
“Recent statements made in the media concerning hefty electricity bills charged by Sesco to customers caught stealing power have not been informed by the facts.
“Such inaccuracy is inevitable when neither the customer nor the YB (elected representative) involved sought information from Sesco to check the facts,” said the spokesperson.
In cases where customers wished to review or appeal the arrears, the spokesperson said Sesco had its Arrears Appeal Process in place which served as an avenue for customers to prove their case.
Every statement issued on the arrears is attached with a letter explaining clearly the types of irregularities and the details of a contact person if the customer needed further discussion or explanation.
In the arrears appeal interview, the customer will receive an explanation of how the arrears amount is calculated showing photo evidence of the irregularities detected.
The appeal case will be reviewed and arrears will be recalculated if the customer could give valid reasons and provide relevant documents to prove that the arrears should be revised.
On another matter, the spokesperson added meter inspection works would continue throughout the state.
Members of the public with information about meter tampering or power theft are welcomed to contact the company’s hotline at 082-443535. All information will be kept highly confidential.
Stealing electricity is a dangerous crime under section 33(5) of the Electricity Ordinance and punishable with a fine up to RM100,000 or imprisonment of five years or both.
“Sarawak Energy would also like to advise its customers to regularly check its electricity meters for any irregularities. In some cases, high electricity bills could have been avoided if any irregularity in the meter is reported early.
“Sarawak Energy urges its customers to take the time to inspect their meters and contact Sarawak Energy’s Customer Care Centre at 1300 88 3111 should there be any signs of tampering.
“The Centre is open 24 hours a day and manned by a team of professionally trained Customer Care Executives who will attend to their queries and complaints,” said the spokesperson.