SESB lodges police report on latest power theft activities in Lahad Datu village

KOTA KINABALU: Utility company Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB) has lodged a report asking the police to probe power theft activities by squatters at a village in the east coast Lahad Datu district that have cost RM1mil in losses.

Its chairman Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau lodged the report at the Lahad Datu police headquarters on Tuesday (Sept 3).

Tangau said that, along with the SESB team, a survey was conducted in Kampung Puyut

squatter settlement and found that illegal connections were being made openly.

"This is a very serious issue, and therefore I went directly to the Lahad Datu police station to lodge a report," he said.

According to him, it is estimated that there were 1,000 houses in the village, adding the electricity theft activities have caused significant losses to SESB, amounting to approximately RM1mil

"We call on the police to investigate the individuals behind the illegal connections.

"I also request that the investigation establish whether these illegal connections were made by the Kampung Puyut squatters themselves or by a syndicate or cartel," added Tangau, who is also the Tuaran MP.

At the same time, he urged the police to investigate whether these illegal connections violated any laws.

"If so, what are penalties that can be imposed on the individuals involved?

"I also request that the police investigate the actual losses incurred by SESB due to power theft and illegal connections,” he said.