KOTA KINABALU: A resident of Kampung Gentisan, Manggatal, here, caused the entire village to blackout after his attempt to steal power cable failed.
In yesterday's 3am incident, which occurred at one of Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB) substations, the suspect was also electrocuted.
Villagers related that they heard a loud bang at about 3am before the electricity supply was cut off.
Subsequently, they heard a cry for help and saw a man screaming by the roadside with burns on his body.
Kota Kinabalu district deputy police chief Superintendent Kalsom Idris said the 29-year-old suspect was electrocuted while trying to steal a power cable at a SESB substation.
"One of his friends was also injured but managed to escape before the police arrived," she said.
Kalsom said the man who lives in Kampung Gentisan was then taken to Likas Hospital for further treatment by his family members.
"The man is in critical condition due to third degree burn on his face and neck, and second degree burn on his shoulder and right arm.
"He also suffers injury on the left eyebrow and his eyes are swollen," she said.
Kalsom advised the public not to get involved in such acts.
