NEWS & UPDATE

SIBU
5 DECEMBER 2025

An underground 11kV cable near Lorong Salim was damaged at 2.02pm on 2 December 2025 during excavation works carried out by a third-party contractor, causing supply interruptions to approximately 2,000 residents. The outage affected neighbourhoods around Jalan Salim, Jalan Helang, Bukit Penyau and Kiew Nang, as well as nearby schools including SJK Sung Sang and Kiew Nang Primary School.

Syarikat SESCO Berhad (SESCO), Sarawak Energy’s operations and retail arm, responded immediately by deploying three mobile generator units to restore supply to parts of the affected areas while repair works proceeded. Supply to all affected customers was fully restored at 9.47pm on the same day, although adverse weather conditions extended the duration of the repair efforts.

This was the third underground cable damage incident linked to excavation works in the same area in recent weeks, following similar cases on 13 and 29 November. These repeated incidents highlight the need for third-party contractors to strictly adhere to safety protocols and proper coordination before any excavation works begin.

In response to the previous incidents, Sarawak Energy issued stop-work orders, warning letters and cost-recovery claims. The utility will continue engaging with the relevant agency and its contractors to enforce safe working practices and prevent further damage to critical electrical infrastructure which may lead to unnecessary outages affecting the public. Patrols in the area will be increased and any contractor operating unsafely will be required to cease work immediately.

“Excavation work near electrical assets must be carried out with care and in accordance with established safety procedures,” said Sarawak Energy’s Regional Manager for the Central Region, Jabu Ngumbang. “Any lapse poses risks to public safety and may affect the stability of power supply. Despite measures to help contractors identify cable routes, repeated non-compliance continues to jeopardise the network and surrounding communities.”

Sarawak Energy’s teams are available to assist contractors with cable route identification and safe-work planning. All contractors must ‘Call Before You Dig’ and coordinate with the company before commencing any excavation.

Contractors are reminded that damage to electrical assets is a breach of safety regulations and may result in repair cost recovery, financial penalties or legal action. All work near electrical infrastructure must adhere to established procedures in consultation with Sarawak Energy.

Members of the public may report outages or suspicious activity near electrical facilities by contacting Sarawak Energy’s Customer Care Centre at 1300-88-3111, emailing customercare@sarawakenergy.com, using the SEB cares mobile app or web portal, or engaging with the virtual agent CARINA.

Damaged underground cable at Jalan Salim caused by excavation works (red arrow).

SESCO’s technical team carrying out repairs on the damaged cable.

All contractors are reminded to ‘Call Before You Dig’ prior to commencing any excavation works.