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SANDAKAN: Four non-citizens have been detained following a three-day integrated operation in several squatter settlements here that uncovered an alleged syndicate involved in electricity theft and the illegal distribution of electricity supply.
The operation, led by the Energy Commission of Sabah (Ecos), involved 80 personnel from ECoS, Sabah Electricity, the police, the Immigration Department and the Sabah Water Department.
Ecos Chief Executive Officer Datuk Abdul Nasser Abdul Wahid said preliminary investigations indicated the syndicate allegedly charged between RM40 and RM100 per household for electricity supplied through illegal connections, with the four suspects being investigated under Sections 8(1)(b), 61(1), 61(3)(a) and 61(8) of the Electricity Supply Enactment 2024.
He said a further 35 cases involving 26 non-citizens and nine Malaysian citizens are also being investigated under Section 61(3)(a) of the enactment, with the cases expected to be brought before the courts upon completion of investigations, while offences under Sections 8(1)(b) and 61(3)(a) carry, upon conviction, a fine of up to RM1 million, imprisonment of up to 10 years, or both.
Abdul Nasser said Ecos would continue strengthening enforcement through strategic cooperation with relevant agencies, while Sabah Electricity is implementing the meter house approach to reduce the risk of illegal connections and provide a safer and more orderly electricity supply.
