Sabah Electricity lost RM30 million last year due to system losses stemming from power theft, which falls under non-technical or commercial losses, the state utility firm said on Friday.

The utility firm revealed that illegal connections account for 2% of its total system losses. 

However, the remaining 98%—or approximately RM1.47 billion—in system losses were not disclosed. 

“We are determined to curb these illegal connections that not only impact our revenues but also affect public services,” said Chief Operating Officer Ir. Mohd Yusmanizam Mohd Yusof.

Sabah Electricity launched a joint operation on February 18 in Kota Kinabalu to crack down on power theft. 

The operation involved top management, including Chief Retail Officer Ahmad Nassaruddin Kamaruzaman, and was supported by agencies such as ECoS, the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), the Water Department, Immigration Department, and Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK).

The crackdown found about 50 homes with illegal connections, and approximately 800kg of aluminium wiring was seized.

Sabah Electricity pledged to continue monitoring and prosecuting offenders under Section 61(3) of the Electricity Supply Enactment and Section 427 of the Penal Code.

The company urged the public and employees to report illegal connections, stressing the need for collective action to safeguard public resources and improve revenue management. – February 21, 2025