Seri Petaling folks want compensation for damaged appliances
23/05/2007 The Star BY ELAN PERUMAL

FREQUENT and unannounced electricity disruptions have long been the bane of residents of Seri Petaling in Kuala Lumpur.

However, a series of power surges recently really made them furious as they claim many of their household electrical appliances have been damaged in the incidents.

The residents said the power surges were caused by cable upgrading works that were being conducted by Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB).

“The blackouts often last for more than five hours, usually when we’re asleep until early morning,” said Tai Kin Fong, 46, who has been staying in the area for more than 15 years.

He said the blackouts continued despite their complaints to TNB.

Damaged goods: Chitra (third from left) and Hoo (right) providing details of their electrical appliances damaged in the recent power surge to a resident who is compiling the list to be submitted to TNB.
Accountant S. Chitra, 35, who just moved into her home on Jalan Malini said her telephone cables had been diconnected by TNB contractors who were changing the electricity cables in the area.

“They did not inform me about their intention to remove the telephone cable and I was shocked to find the cable hanging on my fence when I returned home from work on Friday.

“I contacted the hotline and was told me that the cable will be reconnected but nothing has been done and I'm without telephone service,'' she said

On the damage caused by the power surges, Chitra said the residents would be seeking compensation from TNB.

Hoo Wai Kin, 51, who had been living in the area for more than 20 years, said it was only fair that they be compensated for the damage done to their electrical appliances.

“We are in the process of listing the names of the residents and the damaged items before submitting the list to TNB. We residents have tolerated so much and hope this situation will not continue,” she added

Hoo said TNB had taken the residents for granted by not notifying them on the power cuts and power surges.

She said TNB owed an explanation to the residents.

Kuala Lumpur South TNB maintenance engineer Roshimi Mustapha apologised to the residents for the unexpected power surges and assured that they would be compensated for any damage to their electrical appliances.

“We have informed the residents that we will pay the repair costs since it was caused by our upgrading works.” he said

On the dismantled telephone cables, Roshimi said he was not aware of the problem but an assurance that the matter would be resolved with immediate effect.