Overview of the electronic meter with a small magnet.
Photo shows the magnetic switch inside the meter
KUCHING: Many electricity meters were found to have been tampered with by using magnets, during recent meter inspection operations by Syarikat Sesco Berhad.
A Sesco spokesperson yesterday said magnets have often been used to tamper with electromechanical type of meters. In this case, the spokesperson said the gadgets tampered with were the Sesco’s electronic (digital) meters.
In Sibu recently, two meters installed at a restaurant located at Jalan Pahlawan were caught for tampering by using magnets.
The operation was triggered due to the restaurant’s ridiculously low monthly electricity billing. Both meters were found to be 80 per cent slow when magnets were placed close to the meters.
Similarly in Miri, Sesco inspection teams also detected many tampering cases using the magnet method. All tampered meters have been taken down as evidence.
Police reports had been lodged and the customers will be called for interview to assist in investigations. Legal action could also be taken, Sesco said.
Sesco will also issue arrears billing to the customers to recover the unregistered electricity consumption which is in accordance with the provisions in the Electricity Ordinance.
“The meter can also be tampered by installing a small magnetic switch inside the meter. The switch is controlled by placing a small piece of magnet near to the meter. This will cause the meter to register less, hence a low monthly electricity bill.
“Sesco’s meter inspection team also noticed that some customers quickly removed the magnet during Sesco meter inspection operation, to avoid being detected.
“However with clear signs of tampering on the meter such as the seal being disturbed, sign of meter cover being force opened, presence of magnetic switch and modified wires, these are sufficient evidence to take action against the customer,” said the spokesperson
As this method is quite rampant, the spokesperson said that Sesco has briefed meter readers to report meters with magnets attached to it.
Sesco also advised the public not to trust service providers who claim that Sesco is not able to detect this type of tampering.
“Sesco’s meter inspection technicians have been trained and equipped with tools to detect such method of tampering,” the spokesperson warned.
The public can also assist Sesco by reporting power theft-related information through its hotline 082-443535.
Stealing electricity is a crime punishable under Section 33(5) of the Electricity Ordinance with a fine up to RM100,000 or jail of five years or both.