No aircond for Sabah’s biggest mall for defaulting on RM9.3m electricity bill

KOTA KINABALU (June 27): 1Borneo Hypermall was literally made to take some heat today when it had its power supply partly disconnected for failing to settle its electricity bill amounting to a hefty RM9.3 million.

Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB) resorted to cutting off the power supply to the mall’s air-conditioning system before opening hours this morning, reported The Star.

However, the lights were left on for the sake of the shop tenants and employees, a SESB source was quoted saying.

The source said the air-conditioning system will only be restored upon the 1Borneo Hypermall management settling the previously agreed minimum fee of less than RM1 million.

Meanwhile, a news portal reported that the mall management felt SESB’s action in making the issue public had tarnished the reputation of the mall and disrupted its efforts in securing borrowings to clear the debt.

SESB had warned the management last Monday of the drastic measure if no payment was forthcoming by yesterday.

In a statement, SESB said the more-than-one-year debt had been granted ample grace period.