Kota kinabalu: Some 1,191 telecommunication service disruption incidents involving 257 telecommunication sites were recorded in Sabah from 2025 to June this year, resulting in estimated losses of nearly RM17.3 million.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Sabah Education, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk James Ratib said the incidents involved vandalism, equipment damage, and theft of components, based on statistics provided by service providers. He highlighted that these disruptions significantly affected daily activities, including students' access to learning, digital transactions by businesses, and communication during emergencies.
"Telecommunication vandalism must therefore be viewed as a public interest and state development issue," he stated during a briefing program titled 'Breaking the Chain of Telecommunication Infrastructure Vandalism: From Site to Market'.
James emphasized that addressing the issue should not only focus on the affected sites but also on disrupting the entire supply chain that creates demand for stolen components. He expressed concern that as long as there are parties willing to buy stolen cables, batteries, metals, or telecommunication components, such activities will continue to thrive.
On enforcement action, James pointed out that amendments to Section 235 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 provide for a fine of up to RM500,000, imprisonment of up to five years, or both, for offences involving damage to network facilities. He urged the public to assist the authorities by immediately reporting any suspicious activities around telecommunication towers or facilities.
"The state government will continue to support the development of digital infrastructure in line with the Sabah Maju Jaya aspiration, particularly in expanding connectivity access in rural and interior areas," he stated. However, he stressed that efforts to build new infrastructure must be accompanied by measures to protect existing assets from further damage.
James asserted that allocations for the telecommunications sector should be used to expand network coverage and quality rather than replacing stolen equipment. He expressed confidence that close cooperation between the state government, Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), enforcement agencies, local authorities, industry players, and the community could break the chain of vandalism for the benefit of Sabahans.