KUCHING: A series of streetlight vandalism incidents across Kuching has caused significant damage to public infrastructure, prompting renewed calls for community vigilance and cooperation.
Sarawak Energy reported that 14 vandalism cases involving stolen and damaged streetlight cables and equipment have been recorded in Kuching since January this year.
“Streetlight vandalism is not merely damage to public infrastructure. It directly puts public safety at risk,” said Sarawak Energy’s General Manager for Western Region, Effendy Syaiful Abdullah.
He said this in a press statement on today (June 25), adding that every darkened road increases risks faced by motorists, pedestrians and nearby communities.
According to Sarawak Energy, a total of 38 vandalism cases were recorded statewide during the same period, resulting in losses exceeding RM300,000.
“Kuching alone accounted for approximately RM164,000 in damages, making it one of the worst affected areas in Sarawak by streetlight-related vandalism.
“Among locations impacted are Jalan Siol Kanan, Jalan Pustaka, Jalan Stadium, Jalan Diplomatik, Jalan Setia Raja, Jalan Stampin, Jalan Song and Jalan Landeh.
“The affected areas also include roads surrounding the Bintawa and Demak Laut Industrial Zones, where damaged infrastructure has disrupted lighting services,” he said.
Sarawak Energy stressed that streetlights function as an essential role in ensuring road safety, particularly during night-time and adverse weather conditions.
“The utility provider noted that repair works require substantial resources, including replacement cables, equipment and deployment of technical crews to restore services.
“Repeated vandalism incidents also place additional strain on maintenance schedules and delay planned infrastructure improvement works across affected locations,” he commented.
He urged members of the public to report suspicious activities involving public utility infrastructure and assist authorities in protecting shared community assets.
Sarawak Energy will continue collaborating with the Ministry for Utility and Telecommunication, police and relevant agencies to strengthen monitoring and enforcement efforts.
The company is also supporting measures aimed at curbing theft of streetlight components and preventing the sale of stolen cables and scrap metal.
Members of the public can report suspicious activities through Sarawak Energy’s Customer Care Centre, mobile application, online portal or virtual agent, CARINA.
