A man believed to be attempting a theft at a Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) substation in Taman Ria Jaya was seriously injured after allegedly being struck by a powerful electric current.
Kuala Muda District Police Chief, Assistant Commissioner Hanyan Ramlan, said the district police headquarters received a call from a TNB technician at about 2.08pm on 27 April reporting a suspected theft at the substation. The incident underscores the dangers of tampering with high-voltage infrastructure, which can lead to life-threatening consequences.
Following the report, a motorcycle patrol unit was dispatched to the scene, where officers found the suspect lying inside the substation after suffering a strong electric shock. The man, believed to be in his 30s, sustained severe injuries, including burns to his hands, and was subsequently detained before being sent for medical treatment.
Authorities noted that there were no surveillance cameras installed in the area, and no witnesses came forward regarding the incident. This has posed challenges for investigators in reconstructing the exact sequence of events.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the unemployed suspect has two prior criminal records under Sections 379 and 324 of the Penal Code. Cases involving infrastructure theft continue to raise concerns due to the risks posed not only to perpetrators but also to public safety and essential services.
Hanyan added that the suspect, who remains hospitalised, has been remanded for three days, and the case is being investigated under Section 457 of the Penal Code.
