KUALA LUMPUR: Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) temporarily closed down 333 electrical substations in Pahang, Kelantan, Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Melaka and Negri Sembilan due to safety factors.
TNB president and chief executive officer Datuk Baharin Din said 137 electrical substations have been closed in Pahang, Kelantan (7), Selangor (117), Kuala Lumpur (45), Melaka (10) and Negri Sembilan (17), as of noon today.
The closure affects 17,251 users in Pahang, Selangor (5,062), Kuala Lumpur (4,450), Melaka (634), Kelantan (470), and 284 in Negri Sembilan.
He said electricity supply through portable generators will be provided at temporary evacuation centres.
He said the electrical substations' closure during the flood disaster was done with consumers and TNB workers' priorities in mind.
"We continue to strive to restore power supplies, by taking into account the consumers and our workers' safety.
"Consumers in flood-hit areas are advised to always follow the authorities' instructions during the evacuation process," he said in a statement after a briefing on TNB's flood operation and measures at the Metro Regional Control Center (MRCC), TNB headquarters, here, this afternoon.
Baharin urged consumers to contact the TNB Careline at 15454 if any TNB, local authority or Public Works Department installation had shifted or collapsed.
Members of the public are also advised to stay away from electrical poles, installations and cables including those coated with water-submerged insulation as it may still carry electrical current and risk causing an electrical shock when people touch it.
Understanding the difficulties faced by flood victims, TNB said the people's safety remains a major consideration in the process of restoring the electricity supply even when floods recede.
The public is advised to be careful when using electrical appliances if their premises are flooded.
"Avoid touching electrical appliances or switches with wet, damp hands as it can cause electric shock.
"Once the floods recede, users are advised to seek for wiring contractor services that are registered with the Energy Commission to inspect the wiring at their premises."
Baharin said Energy and Natural Resources Minister Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan was satisfied with TNB's readiness and continuous efforts in maintaining electrical supplies while prioritising the people's safety.
"Thank you to all TNB staff who have worked hard on the ground. I hope the public can cooperate by adhering to the safety measures."