SIBU, Nov. 20 -- A middle-aged couple renting out their shophouse for RM1,000 a month were stunned to receive a letter from Sarawak Energy demanding RM280,000 in unpaid electricity charges.

Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) Dudong branch chairman Wong Ching Yong said the couple, who sought his assistance, later discovered that their tenant had never installed an electricity meter.

Following the couple's appeal, Sarawak Energy agreed to reduce the arrears to around RM98,000 and allow repayment in instalments.

Wong explained that the couple had signed a tenancy agreement in January 2024 for the shophouse to be used as a store.

"In August 2025, the owners received a letter of demand from Sarawak Energy for outstanding electricity char...