KUCHING: Vandalism is emerging as a serious threat to Sarawak’s telecommunications network, causing service disruptions, fires, and costly repairs across the state.
Minister of Utility and Telecommunication, Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi, said deliberate acts of vandalism, including cable theft and damage to towers, have resulted in short circuits, fires, and widespread service outages, affecting both urban and rural communities.
“When a tower is damaged or destroyed, the affected area becomes completely cut off, including during emergencies,” he said during a press conference at the closing of the Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA) Regulatory Compliance and Enforcement Training today.
The minister explained that vandals often target fibre and electrical cables, sometimes cutting them believing they contain copper, even when they do not.
“Regardless, the damage disrupts connectivity and delays our efforts to improve telecommunications statewide,” he added.
These incidents are particularly harmful in rural and interior areas, where communities rely heavily on mobile and internet services for education, health, and emergency communications.
To combat these threats, his ministry has launched a statewide campaign in collaboration with the Sarawak Security and Enforcement Unit (UKPS), the police, local communities, and the media – emphasising vigilance, reporting of suspicious activity, and public awareness about the importance of protecting telecommunications infrastructure.
The minister stressed that reducing vandalism requires active cooperation from communities, noting that maintaining reliable connectivity is critical to achieving the state’s digital goals.
“Protecting our towers and cables ensures that all residents, whether in urban centres or the most remote villages, can access reliable digital services,” he said.
Julaihi also highlighted that while the number of vandalism cases has declined in recent years, the financial and service impact remains significant, with repair costs and service interruptions delaying the rollout of new telecommunications infrastructure.
