Police nab suspects in cable theft

MUKAH: Two men were arrested on suspicion of stealing telecommunications cables in an operation conducted by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Mukah District Police Headquarters (IPD) on Friday.

Mukah Police Chief DSP Muhammad Rizal Alias said the operation was launched around 2 pm after receiving intelligence about suspected cable theft at Rh. Gardah Street, Selangau.

The suspects were spotted leaving a disused telecommunications tower and were subsequently stopped while heading towards the main road.

“Upon stopping their vehicle, we found tools typically used for cutting cables and fragments of burnt copper cable.

“The suspects could not provide any proof of employment with the telecommunications company, which raised further suspicion,” said Muhammad Rizal.

The local suspects, aged 36 and 37, were taken into custody for investigation.

“One of the suspects has a criminal record with two prior offenses and seven drug-related charges, while the other has no criminal history,” he added.

Police seized a four-wheel-drive vehicle, 205 pieces of copper in various sizes and several cable-cutting tools. The total estimated value of the confiscated items is RM 61,000.

Both suspects have been remanded until May 16 and face charges under Section 379 of the Penal Code, which could result in up to seven years of imprisonment, a fine, or both, if convicted.

Anyone with relevant information, please contact Inspector Mohd Hafez A. Razak at 012-9677575, the IPD Mukah hotline at 084-871222, or any nearby police station.

The seized cables