By DayakDaily Team
KOTA SAMARAHAN, Oct 28: The federal government has been urged to review the Second-Hand Dealers Ordinance and impose heavier penalties on buyers of stolen utility cables and equipment to curb theft and vandalism in Sarawak.
Minister for Utility and Telecommunications Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi said the existing penalties were considered insufficient to deter the purchase of stolen goods.
“The Second-Hand Dealers Ordinance comes under the jurisdiction of the federal government. Hopefully, this matter can be raised and considered, with heavier penalties imposed,” he said.
He said this during the launch of the Sarawak Utility and Telecommunications Facilities Vandalism Prevention Programme 2026 here today, as reported by TVS.
Julaihi said there had been cases where cables and metal components stolen from utility infrastructure were sold as second-hand goods, despite being new items.
He cited a case in Bintulu involving the theft of copper cables intended for a telecommunications tower that had yet to become operational.
He said losses across Sarawak amounted to RM48.43 million from 2023 to the second quarter of 2026, excluding the costs of repairing and replacing damaged equipment.
In Kota Samarahan alone, 308 cases were recorded during the same period, involving losses of RM1.54 million.
He said such damage affected daily lives, particularly students needing internet access and patients depending on medical equipment.
“When supply disruptions occur, the public often blames service providers without realising that the cause may be vandalism or cable theft.
“Meanwhile, detecting the damage and restoring services require considerable time and cost,” he added.
He urged the public to work with the government, utility agencies and the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) by reporting suspicious activities and helping prevent cable theft and damage to public infrastructure.
Julaihi said collective efforts and effective enforcement were needed to minimise utility theft and vandalism. — DayakDaily
