malaysiangKUCHING, July 8 (Bernama) — Sarawak Energy Bhd (SEB) urges individuals or entities, especially plantation owners and contractors, to notify the company before proceeding with any works near its electrical transmission towers.
SEB, in a statement here, said that improper and unplanned earthworks or clearing works near its transmission towers may affect the stability of slopes surrounding the foundation of these towers.
“When unchecked, and in the worst-case scenario, the entire electrical tower may collapse, leading to a major electricity supply interruption,” it said.
Its utility arm, Syarikat SESCO Berhad chief executive officer, Lau Kim Swee, in the same statement, said that the company has seen an increased number of such incidents in recent years, and has spent millions to repair, rectify and protect the affected slopes.
“Notifying us will allow us to prepare contingency measures and carry out the necessary works to protect the towers and nearby slopes.
“We are grateful to those who have approached and worked with us before they start clearing their land, helping us to avoid unwanted incidents. At the end of the day, we want to provide a safe, affordable and reliable electricity supply for all Sarawakians,” he said.
Under Section 33(9) of the Electricity Ordinance, those found guilty of wilfully or negligently causing the fall of or damage to any electricity supply line will be penalised with a fine of up to RM50,000, or imprisonment for up to five years, or both.
Business or land owners and contractors are welcome to contact Sarawak Energy’s 24-hour Customer Care Centre at 1300-88-3111, or email customercare@sarawakenergy.com before commencing land clearing works.
Individuals reporting suspicious activities near Sarawak Energy’s electrical facilities may also do so through these channels.
Source: BERNAMA News Agency
