Power thieves busy salvaging wires before SESB dismantles them

An anti-power theft operation here almost turned into a competition on who could roll their wires up first at Mile 3 Jalan Apas, Tawau.

Following an inspection, Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB) staff were busy cutting and reeling in the illegal power connections they found when just a stone's throw away, squatters were also occupied, rolling in any illegal wiring they could salvage before the SESB reached their area.

However, the squatters dropped what they were doing and left after noticing the media at the scene. The area was one of seven locations visited by the SESB team, led by South Zone Manager, Rudy Thaddeus, in a large-scale anti-power theft operation on Tuesday.

The seven locations were identified as having the most complaints on power thefts here. Apart from Mile 3, the other locations were Kg Tinagat, Mile 4, Timatch Jalan Utara, Tawau Lama, Airport Lama and Jalan Kuhara.

Rudy advised those passing-by these locations or other areas with power theft activities to be more careful, adding they could become electric shock victims like a woman here whose leg had to be amputated.

At the same time, SESB will continue with its operations, pointing out some squatters restored the illegal wires moments after they removed them. He also urged the local authorities to tear down the illegal squatters to be rid of the power theft activities.