TENAGA Nasional Berhad (TNB) assures the public that it always prioritises their safety, especially during floods. When floodwater levels rise, the affected people are evacuated to temporary evacuation centres (PPS) for their safety. TNB also shuts down affected electricity substations in flood-affected areas as a precautionary measure to avoid electrical mishaps while also providing portable electric generators at PPS to ensure the comfort of the residents who are housed there.
1. What electrical safety measures should be taken before and during floods?
For those who are in areas that will likely be affected by floods, they are encouraged to make early preparations in case they need to move from their homes to a safer place. They are encouraged to take the following electrical safety measures:
- Move electrical appliances, furniture and other equipment to a safe place.
- Avoid using electrical appliances and make sure the main switch is turned off to avoid electric shock.
- Turn off all electrical main switches, water and gas supply main valves before leaving the house, and unplug electrical appliances.
- Stay away from electrical equipment or cables submerged in floodwater, even if they are insulated.
- Turn off the solar photovoltaic (PV) system to prevent backflow to the premise’s wiring system.
- Contact 15454 or via its Facebook page, “TNB CareLine”, to disconnect the electricity supply if the water level rises.
During the relocation process, TNB advises the public to: - Avoid touching metal poles or any TNB installations to avoid the risk of electric shock.
- Avoid swimming or wading through floodwaters in areas near electrical lines and installations.
- Avoid touching people who have been electrocuted or moving affected electrical lines.
- Immediately contact 15454 or TNB via “TNB Careline” Facebook page if they see any TNB installation is in an unsafe condition.
2. What electrical safety measures should be taken after the flood recedes?
Once the floodwaters recede, and after the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) has confirmed that the weather conditions have stabilised, the public can follow the development of the electricity supply via TNB CareLine or contact 15454.
With the La Nina phenomenon still active, some areas may experience delayed receding waters or a second wave of flooding. So, be careful before re-entering your home. After returning home, you can follow electrical safety measures such as:
- Before cleaning any electrical appliances or wiring submerged in floodwater, check if the main circuit board of the house/building has been turned off.
- Get an electrician or wiring contractor registered with the Energy Commission to check the wiring and electrical appliances submerged in the floodwater.
- Assign family members, including children, to help clean the house and discourage them from playing in floodwater to avoid potential exposure to contaminated water and downed power lines.
- Do not use poles or ladders made of steel or aluminium near power lines.
- Parents need to supervise children so that they do not approach damaged power poles and cables.
3. How to ensure that electrical switches and appliances submerged in floodwater are safe to be used again?
Before flicking the electrical switches at home back to “On”, seek the services of an electrician or a certified wiring contractor registered with the Energy Commission to inspect the wiring and electrical appliances that have been submerged in water.
Among the recommended repair steps to be carried out on electrical switches and electrical appliances submerged in floodwater before they are used are:
- For electrical appliances such as refrigerators and washing machines, clean any mud or dirt and dry the equipment before using it. The controls on electrical appliances may be rusty and no longer work.
- Appliances such as radios, computers and televisions, and also the internal components of electronic equipment are likely to be damaged, rusted and corroded by floodwater which usually contains acids and so on, so the power supply components need to be repaired or replaced with new ones.
- For outlet sockets, you should wash the dirt off, and dry and perform continuity tests and so on before using them.
4. What steps have been taken by TNB to ensure that TNB operations are not affected and run as usual during this flood season?
TNB has made thorough preparations to face the flood season, especially with the La Nina phenomenon which can cause prolonged heavy rain. Based on the weather forecast by MetMalaysia, states at risk of flooding such as Terengganu, Kelantan, Pahang, Johor and Perak have been identified. TNB is currently in standby mode in these states to ensure that any disruption can be dealt with quickly and safely.
Among the steps it has taken are:
- State and district technical teams are on standby 24/7.
- Important assets such as boats, mobile generator sets, four-wheel-drive (4×4) vehicles and lighting equipment are placed in advance in hotspot areas.
- Inspections of substations, critical installations and line routes are carried out regularly.
- TNB is also working closely with the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) and the State Disaster Management Committee – they are responsible for coordinating government actions during disasters, to ensure more coordinated actions. This initial step is important so that the restoration of electricity supply can be carried out more efficiently, safely and quickly after the flood.
TNB is also working closely with the State and District Disaster Management Committees to open operation rooms in states affected by the floods to monitor the situation and provide the latest information on the status of electricity supply. Identified PPS will be inspected to ensure that the electricity supply is in good condition.
5. Sometimes, electricity supply takes time to be restored even though the floodwaters have receded. Here’s why:
After the floods have receded, TNB will ensure that each electrical installation is cleaned, tested and certified safe before being reactivated. With the ongoing La Nina, some areas may face TNB installation structural damage, subsidence, fallen trees, swaying poles and damaged cables due to strong floodwater currents.
All of these require more thorough inspections and additional time. However, TNB assures that electricity supply will be distributed as soon as possible after the electrical installation has been confirmed safe to be activated.
For meters that are damaged or have been entered by floodwater, the public should contact TNB directly to have them replaced with new ones.
6. TNB has an online app, “myTNB”, where users can make transactions and manage their accounts and electricity bills anytime and anywhere without having to meet counter personnel or visit its Kedai Tenaga.
In certain situations, TNB meter readers may be temporarily unable to take meter readings in areas affected by floods. Users can use the myTNB app to check current bills and make bill payments online. Complaints for the repair of damaged meters after the flood recedes can also be made through myTNB.
If you have not yet registered as myTNB users, download the myTNB app for free via Google Play Store, Apple App Store or Huawei App Gallery.
To summarise all those reminders, tips and advice, in order to face the flood season affected by the La Nina phenomenon, here are some simple tips:
- Prepare in advance: Store an emergency kit including power banks, medicines, drinking water and important documents in a high and safe place.
- Always be aware of the weather warnings of MetMalaysia and instructions from Nadma and the National Disaster Management Agency.
- After the flood recedes, seek the services of a certified wiring contractor registered with the Energy Commission to ensure that home wiring is completely safe to use.
- Report any issues related to the status of the electricity supply or installation directly to TNB via 15454, TNB CareLine (Facebook page) or TNB’s X platform – all are active 24 hours daily.
“TNB understands the difficulties experienced by flood victims, but the safety of the public is our priority in efforts to restore electricity supply when the floodwaters recede. We always strive to provide the best service to the community in all circumstances, especially during the flood season,” says the utility company.
