Cable Theft Must Be Eradicated, Warrants Investigation
KUCHING: The issue of vandalism and cable theft affecting public facilities needs to be addressed more comprehensively, focusing not only on the perpetrators of the crime but also on those who purchase the stolen goods.
Deputy Minister of Utility (Sarawak Energy Berhad and Petros), Datuk Ibrahim Baki, said that demand for stolen cables is among the key factors driving such activities to persist despite various preventive measures already being implemented.
According to him, the authorities need to intensify monitoring and conduct investigations right down to the level of buyers or networks involved in the trading of stolen cables.
"If there are no buyers, there will be no sellers. That is why we need to look at the entire chain of this activity and not just arrest the individuals stealing the cables," he said when met following the launch of the Smart Street Lighting Project in Kampung Nombor Satok on Saturday.
He also urged the police and relevant agencies to increase patrols and enforcement in areas frequently targeted by cable theft, including locations of public facilities that use lighting systems and utility supplies.
He noted that among the areas previously affected was Datuk Amar Juma'ani Bridge, adding that security measures such as security guards and the installation of closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras would be implemented as soon as possible.
In addition, he announced that DBKU has received an allocation to expand CCTV installation at several strategic locations as part of efforts to strengthen urban security and protect public property.
He further added that cable theft not only causes financial losses to the relevant agencies, but can also pose safety risks to the public when certain areas are left in darkness, increasing the likelihood of accidents and criminal incidents occurring.
He also praised the efforts of Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) for utilising smart technology, including drones and detection systems, to combat electricity theft and identify premises involved in illegal cryptocurrency mining, thereby helping to reduce losses and improve enforcement effectiveness. -UKASnews
