SESB, or Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd, has taken action to replace illegal power connections in a squatter colony in Sandakan through an interim project. The initiative began in September 2023 and has provided safe and stable electricity supply to 711 houses in Kampung Forest. The approval of the independent power distributor (IPD) concept by the government and Energy Commission is seen as a temporary solution to address the issue of rampant illegal power connections. The power supply infrastructure has been upgraded and now complies with safety standards. The IPD also monitors the infrastructure to prevent vandalism that can disrupt the power supply to consumers, according to SESB CEO Mohd Yaakob Jaafar.
An analysis of the data revealed that 25% of power cuts were caused by illegal power connections in squatter colonies. The Sabah Local Government and Housing Ministry estimates that there are 31,470 houses or 224 squatter colonies across the state. SESB hopes that this initiative will be supported and serve as the first step in providing legal and safe power supply to squatters in Sabah and Labuan.
Additionally, an incentivization policy has been introduced by SESB to reward informants who report meter tampering and illegal power connections. Those who provide relevant information will receive 1% of the SESB losses attributed to meter tampering or illegal power connection. There has been a significant increase in meter tampering cases, with a rise from 473 cases in 2020 to 935 cases in 2021. As of August this year, there have already been 896 cases reported. So far, 29 meter tampering cases have been taken to court.
If individuals have any information regarding illegal activities, they can contact their respective SESB zone/area manager or call 088-282 782, 088-282 779, or 088-282 778.
