By Shikin Louis & Chris Bishop
KUCHING, July 3: Sarawak is considering imposing heavier penalties on secondhand dealers who buy scrap metal from vandalised utility infrastructure.
Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg highlighted that under the Second-Hand Dealers Act 1946, individuals engaging in scrap metal activities without a permit face imprisonment of up to three months or a fine not exceeding RM1,000, or both, for the first offence.
For a second offence, the penalty could be up to two years in jail, a fine not exceeding RM5,000, or both.
“I will discuss with the Sarawak Attorney-General about revising the penalties for secondhand dealers.
“The current fine is (up to) RM5,000, but a single copper coil of roughly (indicating his arm length) is already (worth) RM5,000. If someone is caught stealing a copper coil, they could pay the RM5,000 fine and steal another one,” he said during the launch of Anti-Vandalism Campaign on Utility and Telecommunication Infrastructure 2024 held at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here today.
Speaking to reporters afterwards, Abang Johari explained that the existing penalties fall under the Criminal Procedure Code (CPC), which is under the authority of Federal government.
“However, I will consult with our Sarawak Attorney-General to explore other legal avenues, such as local authority (regulations) because to me, RM5,000 penalty is not sufficient,” he added.
In his speech earlier, Abang Johari also urged utility companies to enhance their security measures. He suggested employing local personnel to monitor utility infrastructure.
“Additionally, if you want a sturdy gate to secure your infrastructures, do not use cheap fencing (material like those) for chicken coops. If not, the thieves can just use a small plier to cut the wire and break in,” he added.
Also present were Sarawak Minister of Utility and Telecommunication (MUT) Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi, Deputy Minister for Telecommunication Datuk Liwan Lagang, Deputy Minister for Infrastructure Development Datuk Aidel Lariwoo, Deputy Minister for Urban Planning Land Administration and Environment Datuk Len Talif Salleh, Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Information, Corporate Affairs and Ukas) Datuk Abdullah Saidol and Sarawak Police Commissioner Datuk Mancha Ata. – DayakDaily
