A couple renting out their shophouse received an electricity bill for RM280,000 from Sarawak Energy. The property owners, who charged a monthly rent of RM1,000, discovered their tenant had operated without a meter by illegally tapping electricity from public lines.
After the couple appealed, the utility company reduced the outstanding amount to approximately RM98,000 and offered an installment repayment plan. Sarawak United People’s Party Dudong branch chairman Wong Ching Yong, who assisted the couple, indicated the tenant was suspected of running a cryptocurrency operation. He advised property owners to conduct thorough tenant background checks and include protective clauses in legally prepared tenancy agreements. Lawyers confirmed that Sarawak Energy acted within its legal authority under the Sarawak Electricity Ordinance, which permits severe penalties for electricity theft.
After the couple appealed, the utility company reduced the outstanding amount to approximately RM98,000 and offered an installment repayment plan. Sarawak United People’s Party Dudong branch chairman Wong Ching Yong, who assisted the couple, indicated the tenant was suspected of running a cryptocurrency operation. He advised property owners to conduct thorough tenant background checks and include protective clauses in legally prepared tenancy agreements. Lawyers confirmed that Sarawak Energy acted within its legal authority under the Sarawak Electricity Ordinance, which permits severe penalties for electricity theft.
