SESB to expand prepaid meter system in squatter areas

KOTA KINABALU - Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB) will expand its project to supply electricity to squatter areas through appointed companies as implemented in Kampung Forest, Sandakan.

SESB general manager (distribution) Ir Addie Ahmad said the project was among the other efforts to curb power supply theft in the state.

"SESB will appoint an independent power distributor (IPD) to distribute electricity to the squatter areas through the prepaid meter concept through the IPD.

"This project started at the end of last year and is expected to be completed in April where residents in squatter areas will obtain power supply through the appointed companies," he told reporters after a joint operation to cut illegal electricity connections in Kampung Numbak yesterday.

He said SESB was concerned about the villagers' who did not get power supply as the terms and conditions made it an obstacle for them to apply.

This was because SESB gave importance to land status and citizenship of applicants.

"We received complaints from people affected, asking how to apply legally. SESB cares about land status and citizenship. As long as there is a valid citizenship certificate such as passport, then even non-citizens can apply.

“Another reason why they might not be able to apply was due to the status of the land, on whether the landlord had permitted it. For example, we cannot provide electricity to Kampung Numbak since it is a government reserve land and we did not receive permission from the government or agency.

"In the effort to reduce illegal wiring issue and operations to cut off electrical supply, we have the IPD project initiative where companies that owned a licence can distribute electricity freely, other than showing concern to those not eligible to apply with SESB.

"We can only provide electricity to areas outside the squatter areas, while the appointed company would distribute power to the areas inside and bear responsibility to maintain the electricity poles and wiring at the applicants' houses," he said.

Addie said SESB welcomed any companies interested to implement this project as it will benefit both parties.