KUCHING: Frequent cable theft cases across Sarawak have continued to disrupt electricity supply and telecommunications services, raising concerns over public safety, infrastructure damage and rising repair costs statewide.
Minister for Utility and Telecommunication Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi has raised concerns over the growing issue of cable theft and vandalism in Sarawak, describing it as a major problem affecting multiple parties and disrupting electricity supply.
“The problem of vandalism involves destruction and cable theft which happens everywhere, and it is a big problem,” he said during a press conference in conjunction with Net Energy Metering (NEM) Awareness Campaign at the Waterfront Hotel here on Tuesday (May 25).
According to Julaihi, the theft of electrical cables has impacted Sarawak Energy, Sarawak Electricity Supply Corporation (SESCO), the ministers, as well as the public, as stolen cables often result in power disruptions and inconvenience to consumers.
“The act of electric cable theft has become a problem to many sides. When the cable is stolen, the electricity supply is cut off and disrupted, and the users will be anxious,” he said.
He added that the ministry is committed to ensuring a stable electricity supply throughout Sarawak and stressed that acts of vandalism involving electrical infrastructure must be minimised.
Julaihi also revealed that suspects involved in cable theft are highly persistent, often returning during the daytime to continue the activity if the task could not be completed at night.
However, he noted that cooperation from the public has helped authorities take action against the perpetrators.
“With the wise actions of the community, authorities received video evidence of suspects cutting cables, which helped us arrest them,” he said.
While acknowledging that the problem may not be completely eradicated, Julaihi expressed hope that enforcement efforts and public cooperation could help reduce theft and cable damage activities across the state.
