KUCHING: The state government has been working closely with several agencies to curb electricity theft in Sarawak for the past seven years.
Public Utilities Minister Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said Sarawak Energy’s campaign against power thieves began in 2010.
“Various steps have been taken to curb power theft and increase public awareness that power theft is not only illegal, but also dangerous.
“Tampering with the electricity meters and connections can lead to fire, electrocution and damage to electrical appliances,” he said when contacted today.
The ministry, he said, has been working closely with the police, Sarawak Attorney-General (SAG), Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) in implementing several initiatives.
Among the them, he said, include public awareness programs, and installing smart metering devices to remotely monitor offenders and trigger early alerts of tampering activities.
The state government, he said, also conducts routine meter inspections, besides constantly monitoring high-potential and repeat offenders.
“We also work closely with SAG office to prosecute offenders,” he said.
As a result, he said, losses incurred by electricity thefts have seen a significant drop.
“This year, power theft losses have reduced to RM20 million, compared to RM140 million in 2010,” he said.
Power theft, he said, is a crime under Section 33 (5) of the Electricity Ordinance, which carries a penalty of RM100,000.00 and/or five years’ imprisonment.
Meanwhile, there are 37 court cases related to electricity theft.
“So far, Sarawak Energy has won 26 out of 27 court cases on trial. Ten cases are still ongoing,” he added.
