Kota Kinabalu: An undocumented migrant was jailed for eight months after failing to pay a total fine of RM188,000 for offences involving the illegal connection and sale of electricity in Sandakan.
The conviction marked the fifth secured by the Energy Commission of Sabah (ECoS) within a week following an integrated operation conducted from July 1 to 3 with Sabah Electricity, the police, Immigration Department and Sabah Water Department in several squatter settlements.
Laken Jiram, from Kampung Kagayan, was found guilty by the Sessions Court in Sandakan of offences under Sections 8(1)(b), 61(1), 61(3)(a) and 61(8) of the Electricity Supply Enactment 2024 before Judge Roslinda Razali.
Unable to pay the RM188,000 fine, he was ordered to serve eight months' imprisonment concurrently and will be handed over to the Immigration Department for further action, including deportation.
ECoS Chief Operating Officer Ridwan Saham said the five successful prosecutions demonstrated the effectiveness of joint enforcement efforts against electricity theft and illegal electricity sales, adding that operations would continue throughout Sabah.
