LABUAN: Sabah Electricity (SE) is embarking on a major state-wide operations to recover unpaid electricity bills from consumers who had ignored despite warning notices issued.
A spokesman from SE headquarters confirmed the “Operasi Pemotongan Bekalan Eletrik Besar Besaran”. He said it was in accordance with the terms and not confined to Labuan but all Sabah districtHe added that that several reminders had been issued in advance to avoid action adding that it was normal for services providers to take action pointing at similar action by Water Supply Department if bills were unpaid.
He did not elaborate on what was the amount outstanding and sectors involved.
Chairman of the Labuan Chinese Chamber of Commerce Datuk Wong Kii Yii said “we cannot question SE’s right to recover debts but hope it would not be drastic in its action.”He noted that since that the utility hiked tariff rates many sectors of businesses had been hit and undermined their ability to pay on time due to cash flow problems.
“Any drastic action would be like rubbing salt to wound as many traders were struggling to make ends”, said Wong.
He urged SE to have an acceptable plan to resolve the issue such as payment by instalment or grace periods “abruptly plunging them into darkness would be pulling the carpet under the feet and there will be no winners in this. SE action must be aligned with the Madani government to help troubled communities.
Last May, after the power tariff hike, a hotelier Fauziah Datuk Din here complained of a jump in electricity bill in her 22-room hotel. SE investigated, admitted the mistake and refunded about RM3,000.00.
