KOTA KINABALU: A total of RM3.5 million has been paid to Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB) today to restore the power supply to Sabah's largest mall, 1Borneo Hypermall.
1Borneo Hypermall Shoplot Owners’ Association (1BOSA) had stepped in to help settle part of the RM9.2 million electricity bill arrears incurred by the mall operator, 1Borneo Management Corporation (1BMC).
1BOSA chairman Datuk Tan Tiang Lai said the committee had on July 17 met with SESB top management to discuss the matters.
Among those present at the meeting, held on Tuesday, were 1BOSA vice-chairman Datuk Woi Fook Lai, 1BOSA assistant secretary Peter Wong Lieng Kiong, and 1BOSA treasurer Datuk Chong Choon Kim.
“To demonstrate the association’s commitment (in settling the bill), SESB has requested 1BOSA to settle RM500,000 after listening to the plights of shop owners. We managed to raise the amount among the association members and shopowners within three days.
“Another RM3 million is to be paid by the 1BMC. Once the (RM3.5 million) payment is cleared off, power supply will be restored,” he said, adding 1BOSA and 1BMC managed to pay off the amount before 3pm.
A SESB source confirmed the utility company had received the payment to reconnect power supply at the hypermall.
Yesterday, Tan along with Chong and Peter also attended the meeting chaired by Sabah Infrastructure Development Minister Datuk Peter Anthony. The meeting, also attended by SESB and 1BMC, was aimed at finding immediate solution to 1Borneo Hypermal lissue.
The agreed consensus was for 1BMC to settle RM3.5 million by 1pm today in order for SESB to reconnect the power supply.
On the remaining bill arrears, Tan said it would be settled through installments, with RM100,000 to be paid monthly until the 12th month.
Beginning the 13th month, a total of RM150,000 is to be settled monthly with SESB until the bill arrears were paid out.
“We thank Datuk Peter for chairing the meeting yesterday as well as the commitment of all quarters to settle this matter immediately. As for BOSA, we decided to step in after we are not satisfied with the explanation given by the mall liquidator over the bill issue,” said Tan.
“The association had in the past requested for the account report from 1BMC twice, but the request was ignored. By right, 1BMC is supposed to submit its account report every six months but the management has failed to do so.
“1BOSA members felt they have been victimised. We also feel SESB has become the victim in the bill matters, which is supposed to be settled by 1BMC in the first place,” he said.
Following the incident, Tan said the developer of 1Borneo Hypermall - Sagajuta (Sabah) Sdn Bhd (in liquidation) - had appointed 1BOSA to take over the management. The letter on the matter was issued on July 12.
On July 11, SESB had cut off power to the mall after 1Borneo mall management failed to settle its bill despite being issued several warning letters. The power cut only affects the air-conditioning system while lights in the common areas were still in operation.
On Tuesday, 1BMC issued a statement stating it had submitted its final proposed settlement plan to SESB. It also noted 1Borneo Hypermall might be forced to shut down if 1BMC was unable to reach an amicable settlement with SESB.