Kuala lumpur: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and telecommunications service providers are collaborating with the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) to formulate a comprehensive plan aimed at curbing cable theft and vandalism at telecommunications towers. This initiative includes thorough inspections of business premises and scrap collection centers to combat the issue effectively.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching highlighted in the Dewan Rakyat that business premises and scrap yards might be used to store stolen items such as copper cables, batteries, and electronic equipment. The Communications Ministry and MCMC, in partnership with service providers, are actively working with law enforcement and local communities to mitigate the risks of theft and vandalism at communication towers and to enhance public awareness on these issues.
Teo was addressing a query from Mordi Bimol (PH-Mas Gading) regarding the statistics of telecommunications tower theft and vandalism cases in Sarawak since 2024, including those in Mas Gading, alongside related losses, enforcement actions, and measures implemented to safeguard new towers. She reported that last year, Sarawak experienced three cable theft incidents and 1,116 tower vandalism cases, resulting in estimated losses of RM9.3 million. Up to the second quarter of this year, 33 theft cases and 334 vandalism cases have been documented, amounting to losses of RM3.48 million.
To bolster tower security under the National Digital Network Plan (JENDELA), service providers have reinforced high-risk tower sites by installing anti-theft and anti-vandalism measures such as metal trunking to prevent copper cable theft. Additional security features include fences and extra security locks on cabinets housing electronic equipment and batteries to safeguard these assets against damage or theft.
Teo further noted that in high-risk areas, CCTV cameras and alarm systems have been deployed to reduce theft and vandalism risks. Additionally, equipment at tower sites is equipped with sensors that alert service providers in case of intrusion or damage to the transmitter systems.