The national power company had in 2021 sued Eazrie Hafizie Aris for RM197,131 for alleged meter tampering.

Eazrie denied liability and brought a counterclaim against TNB for negligently accusing him of meter tampering.

His lawyer, Esmael Shah Shahrudin, told FMT that one of the medical reports tendered in court showed that TNB’s second suit had led to his client developing symptoms of a major depressive disorder, which included suicidal thoughts.

According to Esmael, sessions court judge Nurul Mardhiah Redza found in favour of Eazrie and dismissed TNB’s claim, with costs of RM7,000.

However, the court dismissed Eazrie’s counter-claim of negligence, with costs of RM7,000.

TNB was represented by lawyers Raja Saidatul Akhma Raja Lope and Nabilah Jasmine Zainal Ariff.

Esmael had previously argued that TNB had wrongly sued his client for meter tampering.

He said Eazrie never opened a TNB account for the electricity supply to the two-storey shop building, which incurred the charges. Eazrie was neither the tenant nor the owner of the building.

Esmael said Eazrie had lost his identity card in July 2017 and lodged seven police reports over the matter. He also said the owner of the premises did not know Eazrie.

Last year, the Court of Appeal granted TNB leave to appeal against a magistrates’ court award of RM30,000 in damages made in favour of Eazrie in the first suit. The court has fixed April 9, 2026 for hearing of the appeal.

In its first suit, TNB had accused Eazrie of meter tampering and sought payment of RM26,811.75 in electricity charges.

Commenting on yesterday’s court decision, Esmael said his client was happy with the sum awarded.

“Prior to the first suit, my client had attempted to settle this matter amicably by asking TNB to withdraw the suit. However, they refused.

“In fact, they also refused to withdraw the second suit. For the past four years, it has taken blood, sweat and tears to clear his name.

“It is a wake-up call for TNB to ensure that only the right party is sued.”