1 hour ago
5
ADVERTISE HERE
Dato Sri Julaihi NarawiAdvertisement
By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, May 25: Cable thieves are becoming increasingly brazen, with some now daring to return in broad daylight to continue cutting utility cables in Kuching after failing to complete the job at night, says Minister for Utility and Telecommunication Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi.
He said vandalism involving theft and damage to utility infrastructure has become a serious issue affecting electricity supply, water distribution and internet connectivity across Sarawak.
Advertisement
“On one occasion, they did not manage to complete the job at night, but still had the audacity to return in the daytime to continue cutting the cables.
“This incident happened recently in Kuching city itself,” he said during the Net Energy Metering (NEM) Awareness Campaign programme at Waterfront Hotel here today.
Julaihi said the latest incident highlighted how bold cable thieves had become, but noted that public cooperation had helped authorities apprehend suspects after videos of suspicious activities were shared with enforcement agencies.
“Alhamdulillah, our community has started to become more aware. They recorded videos and submitted them to the authorities, which eventually led to the suspects being caught,” he added.
He stressed that cable theft was not merely a problem for Sarawak Energy Berhad, Syarikat SESCO Berhad or the Ministry, but a public nuisance affecting consumers when electricity supply is interrupted.
“When cables are cut, electricity supply is disrupted and does not reach consumers. The public becomes worried and angry, and naturally the blame goes to SESCO, Sarawak Energy, the Ministry, and ultimately the Sarawak government,” he said.
Julaihi said uninterrupted electricity supply was crucial not only for homes and businesses, but also for hospitals, children studying at night, water pumping systems and telecommunications infrastructure.
He warned that vandalism involving electrical infrastructure could also prove fatal due to the risk of electrocution.
Apart from causing electricity disruptions, Julaihi said vandalism could also interrupt water supply as pumping and booster systems depended heavily on stable electricity supply.
During a press conference afterwards, he said the Ministry has been carrying out Statewide anti-vandalism campaigns over the past two years, including awareness programmes at divisional and school levels.
“We cannot stop vandalism totally, but what is important is that we minimise it so that we can reduce its effects on the public,” he emphasised. — DayakDaily
English (US) ·