By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, July 27: Five SMART tower sites across Sarawak have been fortified with security perimeter walls following repeated theft and vandalism.
Sarawak Minister for Utility and Telecommunication Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi said the walls, built by Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC), cost more than RM100,000 each, making it impractical to implement the measure at every telecommunications site.
“In fact, besides the site at Sungai Rayah (Sarikei), there are another four locations where similar perimeter walls have been built. In total, there are five locations.
“But it is very expensive. Building one wall costs more than RM100,000. We cannot possibly do this at every site,” he told reporters after opening the Converged Telecommunications Policy and Regulations (CTPR) Masterclass 2026 at Pullman Hotel here today.
Julaihi said he recently visited the SMART tower site in Sungai Rayah, Sarikei, where a three-metre-high perimeter wall topped with security wire had been erected following repeated intrusions.
“I just came back from Sarikei and saw it myself. We had to build a three-metre-high perimeter wall with wire on top. This shows how serious vandalism is. It is real,” he added.
He noted that vandalism is not confined to rural areas but also occurs in urban centres, affecting electricity cables, fibre optic networks and other utility infrastructure.
According to him, theft of copper cables remains a major concern, with such incidents disrupting electricity supply, telecommunications services and water distribution.
While enforcement action remains necessary, Julaihi stressed that building public awareness is equally important in tackling the problem.
“Awareness is very important. We need to instil awareness in the community so that people do not damage public assets related to internet services, electricity supply and water supply.
“We know vandalism cannot be eliminated completely, but we can minimise it. That is why the role of the media is very important in helping us spread this message,” he said.
He added that the Sarawak government has continued to conduct anti-vandalism awareness campaigns since they were launched by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg two years ago, with programmes carried out at both divisional and community levels.
Julaihi also pointed out that a SMART telecommunications tower costs about RM2.5 million to build, making repeated acts of vandalism an unnecessary financial burden on the State.
“You can imagine a telecommunications tower costing about RM2.5 million, and then having to spend another RM100,000 to build a wall after repeated thefts. It is too costly,” he emphasised. — DayakDaily
