Kota Kinabalu: Energy Commission of Sabah (ECoS) recorded a total of 28 electrical accident cases across the State since 2024 until Jan 27, with nine involving loss of human lives.
It has initiated prosecution in court for one of the cases involving the death of two contractor workers in Kota Marudu before Judge A. Akhirudin Acho at the Sabah and Sarawak Sessions Court in Kota Marudu.
Advertisement (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});During the case mention, the accused pleaded not guilty and the judge set the trial dates for Feb 24 and 25.
The charge was made under Section 55 of the 2024 Electricity Supply Enactment (EBE) 2024.
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ECoS Chief Executive Officer Datuk Ir. Abdul Nasser Abdul Wahid, said:
Advertisement (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});“According to statistics, there were 12 fatal electrical accidents and 15 non-fatal cases recorded last year. One of the highest causes of these electrical accidents is activities near electrical lines carried out without the permission of Sabah Electricity (SE), the utility owner.”
He added that there were also cases caused by electricity theft in squatter settlements, attempts to steal electrical installations in SESB substations and poorly maintained electrical installations.
Advertisement (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});Commenting further, Nasser said besides court prosecution, ECoS also issued eight compounds last year, with the compound amounts ranging from RM10,000 to RM150,000, depending on the type of offence.
“ECoS warns any party intending to carry out work near SE installations to obtain permission from the company before proceeding, in accordance with Section 55 of the Electricity Supply Enactment (EBE) 2024, and will continue its initiatives to raise public awareness programs in Sabah on the importance of electrical safety,” said Nasser.
He also emphasised that all competent persons serving in Sabah must obtain a Certificate of Competency from ECoS in accordance with Regulation 60 of the Electricity Supply Regulations (PPBE) 2024.
Several other cases are being investigated by ECoS and may face court prosecution or be compounded.
