By Shikin Louis & Chris Bishop
KUCHING, July 3: Scrap metal traders should require their suppliers to declare the source of their goods to deter vandalism and theft of government-owned properties, says Minister of Utility and Telecommunication (MUT) Sarawak Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi.
With the declaration form, he stated that the authorities could audit secondhand or scrap metal acquisitions and disposals.
“If there is no declaration, I hope the goods will not be accepted or bought by any traders involved in scrap metal collection businesses,” he highlighted at the launch of Anti-Vandalism Campaign on Utility and Telecommunication Infrastructure 2024 at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here today.
The campaign was officiated by Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Julaihi further shared that there are cases where secondhand or scrap metal dealers are buying stolen scrap metal, which encourage thefts to continue.
“I have witnessed a case in Bintulu where a cable required to energise a telecommunication tower had just been installed, but one night, the 76-metre-long copper cable was stolen.
“That is not a scrap metal; it is a new cable. However, due to this scrap metal activities, it was considered as scrap metal as well.
“So we need declarations in the near future to ensure no trade of ‘stolen’ items from suspicious sources, but this requires law enforcement,” he added.
Julaihi also suggested sudden inspections to be conducted on secondhand dealer premises by authorities and relevant agencies, heavier penalties for vandalism, enhanced security measures at utility infrastructures, and cooperation from the local community to act as the eyes and ears for the authorities. – DayakDaily
