SEB urged to compensate businesses, consumers

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MIRI: The Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) said yesterday Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) must compensate the losses suffered by the business community and the hardship faced by consumers during on Thursday night’s massive blackout.

Its publicity and information chief, Datuk Sebastian Ting, said rebate should be an option but SEB had to come up with an effective mechanism as soon as possible.

“Yes, a rebate should be given because of the blackout last night but for the business community like manufacturers, coffee-shop owners, shopping complexes and all commercial sectors
alike, SEB should consider appropriate compensation based on the merits of each case,” he told Bernama.

Ting said the blackout should be a wake-up call for SEB as it could affect Sarawak’s ongoing drive to woo foreign direct investment.

“We have been promoting cheap sustainable energy to them (foreign investors) with the availability of the hydro power that Sarawak has now. SEB owes an explanation,” he said.

Asked about the calls for the resignation of SEB chief executive officer Torstein Dale Sjotveit, Ting declined comment and said SUPP preferred to focus on knowing the real reason behind the massive blackout.

During the blackout, a fire damaged three terrace houses in Piasau Jaya but no causalities were reported.

Supt Unjar Lum of the Lopeng Fire and Rescue Investigation Unit said total loss was estimated at RM311,000 while the cause of the fire had yet to be determined though there was speculation that it was sparked by candles. — Bernama