MIRI: A foreign national has been arrested in connection with the vandalism and theft of Telekom Malaysia (TM) fibre optic cables in the Batu Niah area, police confirmed on Sunday.
The suspect was detained at about 4:51 pm after being apprehended by a TM contractor at a roadside location in Manong Niah, on the outskirts of Miri.
Preliminary investigations revealed that three men were involved in cutting and collecting TM-owned fibre optic cables at the site.
Two suspects managed to escape, while the third was caught at the scene.
Police said a sack containing aluminium fragments weighing approximately 3.3 kilogrammes, believed to be derived from the stolen cables, was seized and will be used as evidence.
The contractor lodged a police report and handed the suspect over to Batu Niah Police Station for further action.
The case is being investigated under Section 431A of the Penal Code, which relates to mischief causing damage to telecommunication infrastructure.
Police have urged the public to refrain from engaging in criminal activities and to cooperate with authorities by providing information that could assist in curbing crime in the Miri district.
Investigations are ongoing.
