SESB LOSES RM2.1 MILLION TO POWER THIEVES

LAHAD DATU: Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB) has carried out nine surprise operations against illegal power connections in several squatter settlements in this district since the beginning of this year.

Disclosing this yesterday, SESB Managing Director Ir Haji Abd Razak Sallim said losses suffered by SESB was estimated to be worth RM2.1 million in the district in the past five years.

He said between September 2011 and August 2012, SESB losses were estimated at RM432,000.

In the latest operation on September 13, 2012, nearly 400 houses in five squatter settlements were found to be stealing power which caused SESB to lose about RM20,000 a month.

SESB has already identified 40 existing squatter settlements here allegedly found to be stealing power through illegal connections.

The SESB also seized 185 kilograms (kg) of different types of wire. Apart from causing power disruptions to the surrounding areas, this illegal activity could also lead to the death of those involved or the public, he said.

SESB will continue to work with the police, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and the Energy Commission (EC) to curb power thefts.

This operation also focused on squatter areas identified as Sabah Baru 2, Jalan Tengah Nipah, Jalan Dam 2, Kampung Kenangan and Kampung Epil. (theborneopost)