MIRI: Coordinated police operations here have dismantled a suspected underground cable theft syndicate, following a series of targeted raids that led to the arrest of four individuals and the seizure of key evidence linked to recent infrastructure sabotage across the city.
The operations, conducted between March 13 and 16, was led by officers from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of Miri District Police Headquarters.
Acting on intelligence gathered from prior reports, police detained two men and two foreign nationals, aged between 30 and 40, believed to be directly involved in the theft of underground telecommunications and cables within the city.
The arrests were made at an unlicensed scrap metal premises in Bekenu, believed to be used to store stolen materials.
Police confirmed that the crackdown was the result of sustained surveillance and intelligence-sharing efforts, including operational collaboration with the auxiliary police unit of Sarawak Energy Bhd.
During the raid, officers seized a vehicle believed to have been used in transporting stolen goods, along with several coils of cable sheathing, quantities of exposed copper weighing machine and cutting tools.
Investigators believe the equipment was used to strip and process material for resale in the scrap market.
The case is currently being investigated under Section 431A of the Penal Code, which pertains to acts of mischief affecting public utilities.
If convicted, those found guilty face penalties of up to two years’ imprisonment, a fine, or both.
According to police, the dismantling of this syndicate has already led to the resolution of at least two reported cases of cable theft in Miri District.
However, authorities believe the network may be larger, with efforts ongoing to track down additional accomplices still at large.
Miri Police Chief, ACP Mohd Farhan Lee Abdullah, underscored the seriousness with which such crimes are treated, particularly those involving public assets.
“Cable theft is not a victimless crime. It disrupts essential services and places a burden on the wider community,” he said.
“We will take firm action against any individual involved, whether in theft, damage, or the purchase of stolen public property.”
He also urged members of the public to come forward with information, emphasising that community intelligence remains a critical component in combating organised property crime.
Information related to suspicious activities can be reported to the Miri District Police operations room or the nearest police station.
