KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Electricity has issued a stern warning to residents, especially those living in squatter settlements, to refrain from using illegal electricity connections.
In a media statement on Friday, Sabah Electricity chief operating officer Mohd Yusmanizam Mohd Yusof revealed that the company has conducted hundreds of operations to combat illegal electricity connections in squatter areas.
"Illegal and unsafe electricity connections expose people to serious dangers, including fires caused by short circuits and the risk of electric shocks," he said in a statement.
Yesterday, it was reported that an adult male had suffered an electric shock from an illegal connection at Jalan Lorong Kuala Neutron.
"The Sabah Electricity technical team responded promptly after receiving a report about the incident at 11.30pm.
"Power supply to the affected area was immediately cut off to allow the Sabah Fire and Rescue Department to carry out their operations to remove the victim," he said.
An inspection at the site uncovered illegal wiring connected to the supply box, which caused the electric shock.
The technical team removed the hazardous connection, and the electricity supply was restored to the area at 12.58am.
Sabah Electricity is urging the public to assist in addressing this issue by reporting any suspicious activities or illegal connections.
"Illegal connections not only endanger lives but also disrupt the stability and safety of the electricity supply," he said.
The company has provided several channels for reporting, including the Sabah Electricity Careline at 15444, 088-515000, and a WhatsApp number at 019-852 5427.