KUCHING: Repeated vandalism of utility infrastructure is forcing Sarawak to spend more on safeguarding public assets while threatening the delivery of electricity, telecommunications and water services.
Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi said the problem affects both urban and rural areas, with copper cable theft and damage to utility facilities among the most common incidents.
“I recently visited Sarikei and saw for myself how we had to build a three metre perimeter wall topped with barbed wire around an infrastructure site.
“That shows just how serious the vandalism problem has become,” he told reporters after officiating at the Converged Telecommunications Policy and Regulations (CTPR) Masterclass 2026 at a hotel here today (July 27).
Julaihi said vandalism involving utility infrastructure could disrupt electricity, telecommunications and water supply, affecting communities that rely on these essential services.
He called on the media to support government efforts to raise public awareness, saying enforcement alone would not be enough to curb the problem.
“Enforcement alone is insufficient.
“Public awareness is equally important because while vandalism may never be completely eliminated, we can at least reduce its occurrence,” he said.
Julaihi said the state government launched an Anti Vandalism Campaign about two years ago under Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, with awareness programmes continuing across the state.
He added that the Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC), which owns the SMART Towers, has built security walls at five high risk locations to deter intrusions and theft.
However, each wall costs more than RM100,000 to construct, on top of the estimated RM2.5 million needed to build a telecommunications tower.
“Public utility assets are built for the benefit of the people.
“Protecting them requires the cooperation of everyone so they do not become targets of vandalism or theft,” he said.
