Bukit Mertajam MP Steven Sim wants an end to the frequent power cuts that affect some 15,000 residents in his constituency where in August alone, there were 10 such incidents.
The deputy youth and sports minister said the power cuts are "extraordinary" and can be described as a "freak" incidents but ruled out sabotage.
Sim said the state and federal agencies like the TNB are working closely these days to rectify the issue since Pakatan Harapan took over Putrajaya on May 9.
Nevertheless, he said he was baffled as to why there were frequent power cuts when electricity had been stabilised for at least 20 years.
"It has inconvenienced the people.
"Some power cuts are for 10 minutes while others are for much longer, especially the incident on Aug 11 where it was three to four hours before electricity was restored," Sim lamented at a press conference in Komtar today.
Bombarded with complaints
Also present were state executive councillor for public works, utilities and flood mitigation, Zairil Khir Johari, as well as assemblypersons Chong Eng (DAP-Padang Lalang), Lee Khai Loon (PKR-Machang Bubok) and Heng Lee Lee (DAP-Berapit).
The three assemblypersons were present as the power cuts also affected their constituencies and they have been bombarded with complaints from residents.
"We hope this problem can be resolved and TNB looks seriously into it as we get complaints at nights that children cannot sleep and lifts are not functioning, among others," said Chong Eng, who is also state executive councillor for women and family development, gender inclusiveness and religious affairs (non-Islamic).
Heng related her personal experience when the installation of the computer system at her service centre was completely disrupted as the electricity was cut off.
Lee urged TNB to improve their communications by informing the residents about when and why they were experiencing such frequent power cuts.
"Affected residents do call the TNB hotline but they do not get enough information, so we hope this situation can be improved."
Failure of transformers
Zairil explained that the power cuts occurred due to the failure of transformers at the main distribution station.
He said when one of the transformers failed, it caused disruption to 113 substations.
"A big area was affected including Alma, Cheruk To'Kun, Jalan Rozhan and Machang Bubok affecting 15,000 consumers," said the Tanjung Bungah assemblyperson.
"Failure of transformers does not happen often. It's an extraordinary problem. Every three months there are maintenance works and the last time they checked, it was okay," Zairil added.
He said a forensic team from TNB is currently probing the matter as they are yet to unearth the real source of the power cuts.
"After the incidents, TNB has immediately restored the power temporarily before the system can be upgraded. Power has been energised but needs some time to stabilise," he noted.
He cautioned about another disruption on Aug 26 as TNB work to rectify the problem.
Zairil said TNB incurred a cost of some RM1.35 million to tackle the issue, and it is a problem they wished to avoid if possible.
"But I feel work done by TNB is within its general service and stipulated time," he said.
Penang TNB head of customer services U Ananda Rani was also present to explain her company's plan to resolve the issue.
She agreed that TNB could improve communication and relay information to affected residents during power cuts.
She said TNB was in the process of upgrading its systems and four projects costing RM4.6 million covering Bukit Mertajam alone are in the pipeline.
"There are another three projects which will see the system upgrade and improve, which will gradually help resolve the frequent power cut problems." - Mkini
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