KOTA KINABALU: A call was made to Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd to overcome electricity theft rather than talking about increasing its tariff.

Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) deputy president, Datuk Liew Teck Chan, in making the call, stressed that it is more worthwhile to combat electricity theft as it is one of the contributors to SESB’s losses.

“The consumers are already paying high electricity tariff but the services have not improved; we still face blackouts all the time,” he said.

“In fact, our tariff is higher than that in the peninsula. It would be even more unfair for them if higher tariff is imposed,” he said, adding that SESB has been facing losses due to high operational cost for years and it could reverse the trend if it can effectively curb electricity theft, especially in illegal squatter colonies.

Speaking to reporters during the Luyang constituency liaison committee Chinese New Year celebration, Liew said it is no secret that electricity theft is happening, especially at squatter colonies.

“SESB and the government should look into this matter more seriously and reduce significantly the amount of unpaid electricity due to electricity theft and not to shift the burden to the consumers,” he stressed.

Meanwhile, lion dance was performed to entertain guests who attended the event.

The event was officiated by Luyang assemblywoman, Melanie Chia.

He added that the relevant authorities should also ensure that SESB delivers its promise in providing a more satisfactory services to justify the high rate consumers have to pay for their electricity.

“There may be some improvement but the quality of electricity supply services is still poor.

Frequent power disruption would not only cause losses to the consumers but also industries in the state,” said Liew who is also Likas assemblyman.

Liew also touched on SESB’s move to increase the deposit for its service connection.

“It is such a burden to the consumers, especially the lower income,” he said.