Sabah Electricity is stepping up its surveillance and enforcement efforts against users found tampering with its electric meters, following a surge in cases across domestic, commercial, and industrial sectors.
Chief Operating Officer Ir. Mohd Yusmanizam Mohd Yusof revealed that 3,095 cases of meter tampering were uncovered last year.
“This issue affects not only revenue but also the integrity of our power supply system,” he said.
Meter tampering is the unauthorized interference with an electric meter to alter its readings, typically to reduce electricity bills illegally.
Sabah Electricity, in collaboration with other enforcement agencies such as the Energy Commission of Sabah (ECoS), the Energy Commission (ST), and the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), conducted 69 integrated operations throughout Sabah and the Federal Territory of Labuan.
As of February 2025, ECoS has taken nine cases to court for prosecution.
On February 24 and 25, Sabah Electricity and ECoS inspected five premises in Kota Kinabalu and Tuaran on suspicion of meter tampering.
The utility company will pursue compensation for revenue losses as stipulated by the court.
Tampering with electric meters is a serious offence under the Electricity Supply Enactment 2024 and the Electricity Supply Act 1990. – February 27, 2025
