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KOTA KINABALU: An eatery operator was fined RM20,000, or six months’ jail in default, after pleading guilty to dishonestly using electricity and causing losses to Sabah Electricity (SE).

Andrew Mali, 58, admitted to bypassing a cut-out fuse connected to his premises’ switchboard in Kg Hungab, Penampang, on Feb 27, 2025.

The Sessions Court heard that a meter test recorded a -66.441 per cent error, resulting in undercharged electricity usage and financial losses to SE.

Charged under the Electricity Supply Enactment 2024, the offence carries a fine of RM20,000 to RM1 million, or up to five years’ jail, or both.

In mitigation, Andrew, who was unrepresented, said it was his first offence, the premises had closed, and outstanding bills were settled. He also cited health issues.

However, prosecutors urged a deterrent sentence, noting the offence was deliberate and increasingly common.