PETRA JAYA: A landlord who was jointly charged with his tenant for electricity theft was granted a Discharge Not Amounting to Acquittal (DNAA) after the court found he had no direct involvement in the offence.
The case, brought by the Ministry of Utility and Telecommunications Sarawak, involved the illegal use of electricity for Bitcoin mining activities carried out by the tenant without the landlord’s knowledge or consent.
Both individuals were initially charged under Section 33(5) of the Electricity Ordinance (Cap. 50), which carries a maximum penalty of RM200,000 fine, five years’ imprisonment, or both.
In court, the tenant pleaded guilty and was sentenced to six months in prison. The landlord, however, pleaded not guilty, maintaining that his only oversight was failing to transfer the electricity meter account which was still under his name with Sesco to the tenant after signing the tenancy agreement.
Taking into account his lack of involvement, the prosecution withdrew the charges, and the court granted him a DNAA.
Special Assistant to YB Chong Chieng Jen, Michael Kong Feng Nian, who represented the landlord, said this case should serve as a stern warning to all property owners.
“Always ensure that the name on the electricity meter reflects the current occupant or tenant. Failing to do so may result in unintended legal consequences,” he stressed.
He advised landlords and property managers to be vigilant and proactive in handling tenancy matters to safeguard their rights and avoid potential criminal liability.
By Connie Chieng