RESIDENTS of Angsana Apartments (Block B), USJ 1 fear that history would repeat itself where compensation and public utility company Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) are concerned.  

On the morning of March 6, an oversupply of electricity occurred, causing irretrievable damage to the electrical items that were in use, including refrigerators, fax machines, electric kettles, television sets, Astro decoders, as well as socket points. 

Residents Association chairman Azmy Awang said residents from 39 apartment units were affected. 

“We lodged a police report on March 7 and have written a letter seeking compensation from TNB for total damages valued at RM39,707,” said Azmy at a meeting with Kelana Jaya MP Loh Seng Kok last Thursday.  

Loh (fourth from right) hearing Angsana Apartments residents' woes with TNB. Azmy is fifth from left.

When a resident called on the same day to report the incident, TNB denied responsibility, claiming that the problem stemmed from a stolen cable at the nearby substation, and only sent personnel to follow-up on the incident three days after the report was lodged.  

A resident who suspected something was amiss, had gone to the substation immediately after making the report to see if there was a break-in, but found the padlocks intact.  

“The padlock cannot possibly still be intact if there was a break-in,” said the resident, adding that there were signs that there was a surge in electricity the night before the incident occurred.  

According to resident Suhaimi Sharif, a similar incident had occurred at the Sri Tanjung flats in USJ 16 last year.  

“Like us, the residents made a report and TNB quoted the same reason – cable theft,” said Suhaimi. “They also sent personnel to conduct follow-up investigations, but in the end denied all claims of responsibility and the residents received no compensation.” 

In a written reply to the residents, TNB said that a report had been submitted to the chief engineer’s office in Shah Alam and would come back with feedback in due time.  

Loh said TNB was responsible for the security of its property as it affected the well-being and safety of the public.  

“Perhaps TNB should conduct routine maintenance, or have an alert mechanism to signal the main station should thefts or break-ins occur at the substations for the safety and well being of the public,” said Loh. 

“If TNB can cut off supply of electricity to users who don't pay their bills, then similarly, users have the right to claim compensation in incidences like this.”