BINTANGOR: The Sarawak government is stepping up efforts to safeguard telecommunications infrastructure with enhanced security measures aimed at curbing vandalism and theft that could disrupt connectivity services for the public.
Utility and Telecommunication Minister Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi said continuous efforts were being carried out through the Anti-Vandalism Committee established by his ministry with the collaboration of various agencies.
He said the committee had implemented awareness programmes and preventive measures to address vandalism and theft involving telecommunications assets.
“As part of these efforts, SDEC has strengthened security at several telecommunications sites that have experienced repeated incidents of vandalism and theft,” he said during a working visit to the Sarawak Multimedia Authority Rural Telecommunication (SMART) tower site in Sungai Rayah here today.
Julaihi said security upgrades at the Sungai Rayah site included replacing the existing chain-link perimeter fencing with brick walls fitted with wire fencing, while the entrance gate was upgraded to a stronger galvanised steel gate to prevent intrusion, vandalism and theft.
He said that Sarawak recorded 726 cases of vandalism involving telecommunications infrastructure throughout 2025, resulting in estimated losses of RM8.99 million.
The Sarikei Division alone recorded 28 cases during the period, with losses amounting to approximately RM314,534.42.
Julaihi urged members of the public to play their part in protecting public assets by reporting any suspicious activities to the authorities to ensure telecommunications networks remain stable.
During the visit, Julaihi and his delegation were briefed on the security measures implemented at the site before inspecting the upgrading works carried out.
The visit also served as a platform for the Ministry, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC) and SACOFA to assess the effectiveness of existing security measures and identify further improvements that could be extended to other high-risk telecommunications sites.
