By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, May 22: Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap has called for a ban on second-hand copper trading in Sarawak, citing its direct link to the rampant theft of public infrastructure components such as wiring and cables.
Debating the motion of appreciation on the Sarawak Governor (TYT) Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar’s opening address at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) sitting today, Yap said the escalating theft of utility wiring has caused serious disruptions and financial losses across the State.
“Sarawak is not a copper-producing State. There is no legal mining or industrial source of scrap copper here.
“This means almost all copper available in the second-hand market likely comes from stolen public infrastructure, including wiring, cables and telecommunication lines,” he said.
Yap pointed out that second-hand copper dealers are effectively enabling theft by providing a ready outlet for stolen materials, which in turn encourages further vandalism.
“Public infrastructure comprising street lights, power lines, telecommunication cables face frequent vandalism, leading to costly repairs and service disruptions.
“If authorities cannot effectively monitor and enforce laws against copper theft, licensing such businesses is counterproductive. A ban would eliminate the legal loophole that allows thieves to profit from vandalism,” he added.
Yap cautioned that Sarawak’s development progress could be severely hindered if such crimes continue, as the damage causes project delays, increased costs and deters investment.
“Since Sarawak has no legal source of copper, the second-hand trade only facilitates crime. If enforcement remains weak, the government must ban second-hand copper dealers.
“This measure would significantly reduce infrastructure vandalism and safeguard Sarawak’s development progress. The government must act now before the situation worsens,” he emphasised. — DayakDaily
