KOTA KINABALU: SESB announced today that it experiences an annual loss of approximately RM200 million due to electricity theft.
According to the chairman, Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau, SESB’s power supply grid suffers a loss of 17 percent, with 10 percent being categorised as’system lost’ and the remaining seven percent as ‘non-system lost’ or theft.
From a financial standpoint, Madius told BERNAMA that a one percent loss in electricity results in RM30 million in losses for SESB annually.
Therefore, non-system losses or theft contribute to a total loss of RM210 million per year for the company, he said.
Madius emphasised that this amount represents 25 percent of SESB’s overall losses and could significantly reduce the company’s reliance on government subsidies, which currently amount to around RM850 million per year.
He further stated that combating theft would greatly enhance SESB’s financial sustainability. As a victim of electricity thieves, SESB is committed to taking serious measures to combat these crimes.
In line with this commitment, Madius recently met with Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Jauteh Dikun at the Sabah Police Contingent headquarters.
During the visit, SESB and the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) discussed and agreed to strengthen their cooperation in combating electricity theft in the state.
Madius expressed confidence that this meeting would further enhance the existing collaboration between SESB and PDRM, emphasising the importance of working together to combat power theft crimes.
