Latest news with #SyarikatSescoBerhad
Borneo Post
a day ago
- Borneo Post
Sarawak Energy busts remote crypto mining electricity theft in Marudi
Cryptocurrency mining servers located in the premises, operated using stolen electricity. KUCHING (July 29): Sarawak Energy, through its operations and retail arm Syarikat Sesco Berhad (Sesco), recently uncovered a case of electricity theft involving cryptocurrency mining at an abandoned wooden house in Lubok Nibong, Marudi. According to a press release, the property was hidden deep in a remote area in an attempt to deliberately avoid detection. However, the illegal operation was exposed during routine inspection works by Sesco's technical team. Further investigations discovered direct tapping cables illegally connected from a nearby overhead pole, bypassing the meter and supplying electricity to three cryptocurrency mining servers. All mining equipment on site was seized, and a police report has been lodged. The individuals responsible may face severe consequences under Section 33(5) of the Electricity Ordinance, which carries fines of up to RM200,000 and/or imprisonment for up to five years upon conviction. Electricity theft linked to cryptocurrency mining operations poses a growing threat to the power grid. These unauthorised connections significantly overload the system, risking power disruptions to nearby homes and businesses. Such setups are also highly dangerous as they can cause fires, damage electrical equipment and endanger lives. As part of its continuous anti-power theft efforts, Sarawak Energy actively monitors abandoned properties and rural locations. Inspection teams are trained and equipped to detect various forms of electricity theft. Members of the public are encouraged to report any suspicious activities related to electricity supply. Reports can be made anonymously via Sarawak Energy's Customer Care Centre at 1300-88-3111, by email at [email protected] or through the SEB cares mobile app. All information provided will be treated in strict confidence. cryptocurrency electricity theft lead Sarawak Energy
Borneo Post
6 days ago
- Borneo Post
Siburan shoplot tenant jailed 6 months for power theft, landlord gets DNAA
KUCHING (July 24): The Sessions Court here today sentenced an unemployed man to six months in prison for stealing electricity to power cryptocurrency mining machines at a rented shoplot. Judge Saiful Bahari Adzmi convicted Hii King Lee, 49, on his own guilty plea to a charge under Section 33(5) of the Electricity Ordinance (Chapter 50), which provides for a fine not exceeding RM200,000 or imprisonment for up to five years, or both. Hii, from Miri, committed the offence at a commercial shop lot in Siburan, Jalan Kuching-Serian at around 10.50am on June 21, 2023. Based on the facts of the case, a team of inspectors from Syarikat Sesco Berhad were conducting routine inspections of electricity meters at the commercial premises when they detected direct-tapping cables connected from the main wirings that bypassed the electricity meter. Further checks found 60 cryptocurrency mining machines connected directly via the direct-tapping cables, all of which bypassed the electricity meter. It was informed that Hii is currently serving a six-month jail sentence for power theft linked to cryptocurrency mining activities, after he was convicted on July 11 this year at the Miri Sessions Court. The accused is also currently facing several drug-related cases and corruption cases in Miri. Deputy public prosecutor Ronald Felix Hardin of the State Attorney-General's Chambers handled the prosecution, while Hii was unrepresented. Meanwhile in the same courtroom, Chang Foh Foong, 53, the landlord who rented the shoplot to Hii, was jointly charged with the same offence but was given a discharge not amounting to an acquittal (DNAA). His lawyer Michael Kong in a statement to the press after the proceedings said his client maintained that he had no role in the offence committed by his tenant. 'After considering the circumstances and lack of direct involvement, the charges against the landlord were withdrawn, and the court granted him a DNAA,' he said. Kong said his client's only mistake was renting the premises to the wrong tenant and failing to transfer ownership of the electricity meter from his name to the tenant's after the tenancy agreement was signed. 'This incident should serve as a serious reminder to all property owners to always ensure that the name on your electricity meter reflects the current user or tenant. 'Failing to do so may expose you to criminal liability even if you had no involvement in any wrongdoing,' he added. Kong urged landlords and property managers to be vigilant and proactive in managing their tenancy agreements. 'It is not just about protecting your rights, but also safeguarding yourself from unnecessary legal consequences.'
Borneo Post
16-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Premier: Sarawak committed to becoming major high-tech player powered by clean, sustainable energy
Abang Johari (centre) witnesses the exchange of documents for the 10-year Power Purchase Agreement between OCI TerraSus and Syarikat Sesco Berhad. BINTULU (July 16): Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has reaffirmed Sarawak's commitment to becoming a major player in high-tech industries, particularly the semiconductor sector, while embracing clean and sustainable energy to power the state's industrial transformation. Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony for OCI Tokuyama Semiconductor Materials Sdn Bhd (OTSM) at Samalaju Industrial Park today, Abang Johari congratulated both OCI TerraSus and Tokuyama Corporation for choosing Sarawak as the location for their strategic investment. 'This marks a significant milestone in advancing high technology industrial development in the region. It also reflects our commitment to sustainable partnerships that will power the future,' he said. Abang Johari described the ceremony as a strong testament to investor confidence in Sarawak's political stability, robust infrastructure, and long-term vision. He noted that the plant further solidifies Sarawak's reputation as a trusted and strategic destination for sustainable, high-tech investments. He highlighted that semiconductors are at the heart of the modern digital economy and said this investment strengthens Sarawak's position in the global semiconductor value chain. 'With this investment, Sarawak moves one step closer to becoming an advanced technology manufacturing hub in the region,' said Abang Johari, adding that it aligns with the state's semiconductor strategic framework, which aims to attract investments across the entire value chain. He also linked the investment to OCI Terasus' earlier collaboration with Korea's Kumho P&B Chemicals for epichlorohydrin (ECH) production, saying it sends a clear signal that long-term investors continue to find value in Sarawak's thriving industrial ecosystem. Abang Johari also elaborated on the vital role of materials such as wafers. 'Based on our observation, semiconductor is a very fast-growing industry, it is based on the latest technology and also the material value chain in producing the product that is needed in the semiconductor industry. 'This material plant I hope will also produce electronics such as wafers that are very important in manufacturing electronics and also high communicating devices including satellites,' he said. The Premier pointed out the Sarawak government is also forming its own semiconductor manufacturing firm. The initiative includes a partnership with an academy in Cardiff, Wales, where a Sarawak-funded research lab is developing a scalable AI power chip. 'We hope that by the end of the year, we will be able to register international intellectual property (IP) on this AI power chip,' he said, adding that this is part of Sarawak's roadmap to become a serious contender in the global semiconductor industry. The Premier also underscored Sarawak's commitment to green energy and sustainable industrial practices, highlighting the state's use of hydro and solar power, with plans to incorporate battery technology to enhance solar reliability. 'What you need is green energy to produce green material. Then you can have certifications that are globally recognised as green products. In the long run, the global economy will demand sustainable, decarbonised solutions,' he noted. He added that Sarawak's Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) prioritises environmental sustainability, with green energy forming the core of its energy policies. The state currently generates 70 per cent of its power from hydropower, with floating solar installations and methane-based green gas energy also in the pipeline. He said to support the workforce needs of this expanding sector, the Sarawak government is offering free tertiary education to all Sarawakians studying in state universities. 'We are working closely with the industry to ensure we produce the right talent to match the rapid global developments,' Abang Johari said. He also shared insights from his recent discussions with global energy players, noting that while nuclear energy is being explored, Sarawak is instead investing in future energy based on hydrogen. 'The hydrogen molecule has the potential to produce cleaner, safer energy, perhaps even better than nuclear, this will all be powered by modern devices, including artificial intelligence,' he stated. Among those present at the event were Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian; Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom; and OCI Holdings and OCI TerraSus chairman Lee Woo Hyun.
Borneo Post
09-07-2025
- Automotive
- Borneo Post
Kota Sentosa rep identifies locations for street lighting under 2026 RTP
Yap marks a spot for new street lighting installation during his site visit. KUCHING (July 10): Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap yesterday visited Jalan Sungai Tapang and Jalan Kampung Sungai Tapang to identify suitable locations for new street lighting installations under his 2026 Rural Transformation Programme (RTP) allocation, totalling RM200,000. Accompanied by community leaders and Syarikat Sesco Berhad (Sesco) officers, he symbolically marked a location with an 'X' to signify the project. 'The initiative aims to enhance road safety and deter crime, especially in poorly lit areas that pose risks to pedestrians, schoolchildren, and motorcyclists,' said Yap, who is also Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) Kota Sentosa Branch chairman, in a statement. Yap added that the process of identifying points for the lighting project involved close collaboration between community leaders and Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) councillors. 'All project decisions must be based on real community needs and technical assessments to ensure effectiveness and long-term benefits,' he said, reaffirming his commitment to work closely with relevant agencies to ensure the timely implementation of the lighting upgrades. He underscored that such efforts are part of his consistent effort to close infrastructure gaps and improve quality of life for all residents in Kota Sentosa. In another development, Yap also carried out a final inspection of resurfacing works at the 7th Mile Community Association Hall car park, a project funded under his 2025 RTP allocation. The inspection was aimed at ensuring that the work was completed according to standards. 'The upgraded parking area now provides safer and more comfortable access for residents attending funeral services at the hall, which is commonly used for last rites by families whose homes are unsuitable for such ceremonies,' Yap said. Kota Sentosa lead RTP street lights Wilfred Yap
Borneo Post
10-06-2025
- Borneo Post
Man with multiple priors nabbed for allegedly trying to steal Sesco transformer
The transformer which was believed to have been forcibly pulled down from its pole-mounted panel. MUKAH (June 10): A 26-year-old local man with multiple prior criminal and drug-related records was arrested on Monday for allegedly attempting to steal a transformer belonging to Syarikat Sesco Berhad in Kuala Balingian. Mukah police chief DSP Muhamad Rizal Alias said the arrest was made at 2.30pm on June 9 after a police investigation by the district's Criminal Investigation Division. The case was first reported when a Sesco technician arrived at the scene and found a 50kVA transformer had been forcibly brought down from its pole-mounted panel. Three unidentified individuals were seen fleeing into the nearby bushes upon the technician's arrival. 'Based on intelligence gathered, our team successfully apprehended one of the suspects. He has five previous criminal records and two records for drug offences,' he said in a statement today, adding that the estimated losses were RM20,000. Tools seized that were believed to have been used by the suspects. Muhamad Rizal said the police also seized several tools believed to have been used to tamper with the transformer and steal electrical cables. 'According to investigations, the suspects' modus operandi involved pulling the transformer down using a vehicle before dismantling it to extract copper components for resale.' The suspect has been remanded for four days until June 14 to assist in further investigations. The case is being investigated under Section 379 of the Penal Code for theft and Section 431A of the Penal Code for mischief involving utility infrastructure. 'Efforts are ongoing to identify and locate the suspect's accomplices and the vehicle used in the attempted theft.' crime Sesco transformer theft
