Kota Kinabalu: The pilot project to tackle power thefts prevalent in 193 squatter colonies across the State with prepaid electricity is expected to begin at Kg Forest in Sandakan by April.
Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB) General Manager (Distribution) Addie Ahmad said the company had incurred losses of about RM20 million annually due to power theft.
He said there are an estimated 31,000 homes in Sabah powered by illegal connections at any given time.
“Seven deaths have been recorded since 2016, with most of them involving children who accidentally came into contact with the wires,” he said, adding by using store-bought wires attached to a metal hook, offenders could illegally tap electricity from the main cable provided by SESB.
Addie said the illegal activities had disrupted power in the State by 25 per cent. SESB workers cutting the illegal connections in Kg Numbak.
To address this, SESB has initiated a pilot project by supplying a set amount of bulk supply to the IPD to be distributed to squatters regardless of their background and land status.
“The appointed IPD would distribute power to households that have made the applications.
“The company would bear the responsibility of fixing or changing electricity poles or cables, and for the wiring at (the applicants’) houses,” he said, referring to the project taking place at Kampung Forest in Sandakan, which involves more than 800 houses.
Addie said this after an integrated operation to remove illegal power connections at Kampung Numbak, Sepanggar, near here.
He said the appointed companies would also be tasked with identifying villages or squatter colonies that were compatible with the method implemented in Kampung Forest.
On the illegal mining of cryptocurrency in Sabah, Addie said some of the illegal miners were arrested and charged in court.
Last year, SESB recorded RM16 million in losses over 11 months due to cryptocurrency mining activities that used illegal electricity supply.
During the period, 54 premises were identified for making illegal power connections.
Addie said SESB had been continuing operations to address illegal power connections and prevent electrocution due to improper wiring.
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