KUCHING: A massage parlour and snooker centre, which were operated by the same owner, are in trouble following suspicion of power theft at both premises.
Evidences of the offence were uncovered during a joint operation headed by Syarikat SESCO Bhd (SESCO) together with State Public Utilities Ministry and the police recently on the two outlets located within the same building at Jalan Foochow.
SESCO, in a statement today, said its technical team detected illegal direct tapping cables connected from incoming mains wirings directly to electrical appliances such as air conditioning units in both premises, bypassing SESCO meters
“SESCO technicians also found a hidden switch installed behind the cash counter of the snooker centre, which was used to control the illegal direct tapping and to avoid detection.
“Direct tapping is not just illegal, it is very dangerous and can easily cause fire. This is an irresponsible act that compromises the safety of the patrons,” said the statement.
Several items including direct tapping cables, illegal switches and meters were seized during the raid. SESCO added a police report has also been lodged against the two premises.
“Stealing electricity is a dangerous crime punishable under Section 33(5) of the Electricity Ordinance and carries a fine of RM100, 000 or 5 years imprisonment or both if the offender is convicted,” the statement said.