KUCHING: Contractors have been reminded to consult Sarawak Energy Bhd (SEB) before beginning excavation works to avoid damaging underground cables and disrupting the power supply.
This comes after excavation works by a public infrastructure project contractor caused a power outage affecting a hotel and residential properties near Kuching International Airport and the Stampin area here on Thursday (Jan 9).
SEB's technical team responded immediately when the power trip was reported at 11.32am, partially restoring supply by 11.45am. Full restoration was completed at 12.48pm.
SEB western region regional manager Effendy Syaiful Abdullah said it was important for contractors to consult the utility provider to prevent such incidents and ensure public safety.
"We have repeatedly reminded third-party contractors to consult us before starting excavation works to identify underground cables.
"Unfortunately, incidents like this continue to happen, causing unnecessary inconvenience to customers and avoidable disruptions to power supply," he said in a statement on Friday (Jan 10).
Effendy said it was dangerous to work near live electrical cables, which could cause serious injuries or death upon contact.
He also warned that legal action would be taken against those responsible for damaging SEB's facilities.
Contractors can contact SEB's customer care centre at 1-300-88-3111 or e-mail customercare@sarawakenergy.com for technical advice regarding works near electrical infrastructure.
