Landlords liable for deposits and electricity supplies

Landlords could avoid liability by taking deposits from their tenants to cover any outstanding electricity bills.

Minister of Utility and Telecommunication, Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi, responded to Chong Chieng Jen (DAP-Padungan), who raised concerns about the new section 27(3) of the Ordinance. The section states that an electricity supplier, like SESCO, is not obligated to supply electricity to an applicant or premises that have previously been discontinued. Julaihi stated that the landlord should be held responsible for the default of their tenants.

“Chong also brought up the issue of SESCO imposing charges and penalties on consumers arbitrarily, even when the SESCO meter was faulty.

“For the information of this August House, in cases of non-payment, an investigation is conducted regarding the non-payment of electricity or meter tampering. Based on all available evidence, a proper assessment is made to determine the amount the consumer must pay.

“There is no need to seek a court order before disconnecting the supply because the consumer would have received sufficient notice regarding the unpaid electricity bills or the amount of electricity illegally obtained.

“If the consumer has genuine reasons to dispute the amount claimed by SESCO, they can bring the matter to court,” he said during his winding-up speech after the third reading of the Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2023 on Tuesday (Nov 21).

During a subsequent press conference, Julaihi criticized Chong for ‘disappearing’ after participating in the debate on the Bill.

“He should be responsible enough to wait for our answers. Don’t be impatient,” he said.

Earlier, while debating the bill, Chong expressed the concerns raised by Baru Bian (PSB-Ba’Kelalan) regarding the Electricity (Amendment) Bill 2023. Chong also alleged that it is unfair to penalize the landlord when it was the tenant who was in default.

“Even though the account is in the name of the tenant and the tenant did not pay or clear their outstanding electricity bills before leaving, SESCO refused to reconnect the electricity supply to the premises. As a result, the premises owner cannot rent it out to a new tenant.

“I believe this action is legally incorrect, but with this amendment, it will legitimize what SESCO is practising,” he said.

During Chong’s speech, Datuk Ibrahim Baki (GPS-Satok) immediately interrupted him.

“You mentioned that SESCO requires landowners to register their meters under the tenant’s name. Was this a mandatory requirement by SESCO, or just a verbal suggestion?” asked the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) DUN chief whip.

He questioned Chong’s reasoning and considered it a serious allegation.

Earlier, when presenting the Bill, Julaihi mentioned that one of the amendments allows Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) and other licensees to access land to install electricity supply lines and build towers to facilitate electricity transmission, particularly in rural areas. The amendment also includes provisions for compensating landowners for the use of or damage to their land.