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KUCHING, Sept 25: A local man was detained for setting fire to severed cables along the roadside of Jalan Demak Indah in Sejingkat here last Saturday (Sept 23).
Kuching District Police Chief ACP Ahsmon Bajah said a team of officers from the Gita Police Station also uncovered equipment associated with the act alongside a motorcycle registered under the name of an accomplice who managed to flee during the operation.
“The urine test on the suspect also returned positive for amphetamine, although the suspect had no prior serious criminal records.
“In the initial investigation, the suspect denied any involvement in the cutting and theft of other cables,” he said in a statement today.
The case is being investigated under Section 379 of the Penal Code, which carries imprisonment, which could extend to seven years, or a fine or both, upon conviction.
Ahsmon further revealed that between January and September 23 this year, the police recorded 28 cable theft cases, resulting in 37 arrests.
“Of these cases, 25 have already been processed, with eight involving 15 suspects charged before the courts.
“Between January and Sept 23, there are a total of 16 cases involving 15 individuals arrested, all of which have been successfully concluded, with five cases involving six suspects charged in court,” he explained.
In total, Ahsmon noted a 75 per cent increase in such cases, representing a rise of 12 cases compared to the previous year. The number of arrests has also surged, marking a 146 per cent increase compared to the same period.
The police urge the public to promptly report any information related to criminal activities to the nearest police station. — DayakDaily
