KUCHING: The tampering of electricity meters in Bau and Kuching has reached alarming proportions, says a statement from Sarawak Sesco Berhad yesterday.

Following several public tip-offs, Sesco assisted by police found 20 per cent of all meters inspected in both areas had been tampered with.

In a recent case in 2012, a cybercafe operating as an online gambling centre was found to have installed a fake meter in Musi, Bau.

According to Sesco, the non-standard meter to mislead inspection teams and meter readers was not registered with Sesco. Investigation papers have been lodged and the customer will be called for questioning.

The team also found electricity tapping and meter tampering at Kampung Sungai Pinang and other areas in Bau town.

In Kuching, many tampering cases were detected at Taman Julemas and Sin Hai Min Garden, Jalan Stutong.

Among the evidence were tapping marks on meter cables that were tampered with then rectified when SEB inspected the neighbourhood.

Sesco will act by replacing the meter and analysing its consumption pattern before billing the culprits for arrears, and prosecuting them in court.

It reminds the public not to tamper with or modify the meter’s wiring system to save electricity bill as it will jeopardise the house’s protective system designed to cut off the supply of electricity in the event of an internal fault.

Tampered meters and wiring systems are dangerous as they can cause electrocution and fires, with ensuing loss of life and property.

Stealing electricity is a dangerous crime punishable under Section 33(5) of the Electricity Ordinance, punishable with a fine up to RM100,000 or imprisonment of five years or both.

The public is encouraged to continue to report power theft at 082-443535 and the info would be kept confidential.

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