TM Perak is removing old copper cables to fight theft, but vandals are now cutting fibre lines, causing major service disruptions for thousands.
IPOH: Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM) Perak is actively removing unused underground copper cables as part of a network transformation to full fibre infrastructure.
State Communications, Multimedia and NGO Committee chairman Mohd Azlan Helmi said TM Perak has removed 1,107 kilometres of cable to date.
He emphasised that not all manholes contain copper cables, as thieves assume.
“In several locations, particularly in urban and town areas, TM had long transitioned from using copper cables to fibre optic networks,” he said at the Perak State Assembly.
He said frustrated thieves sometimes damage or cut the fibre cables when they find no copper.
Mohd Azlan cited an incident in Kampar on Nov 27 where a manhole was broken into and eight fibre cables were cut.
This caused internet disruptions for over 4,000 users and affected eight mobile network transmitters.
“This not only affects service continuity, but also poses a safety risk, particularly for users who depend on reliable communication access during emergencies,” he said.
He stressed that cutting, stealing or sabotaging cables is a serious criminal offence.
“It not only damages public property but also disrupts the continuity of the state’s digital economy, local businesses, student learning and the daily activities of the people,” he added.
He said this culture of sabotage must be curbed before more victims fall.
Cases of exposed manholes remain rampant in Perak, especially in the Kinta district.
Statistics up to last October recorded 193 cases of cable theft and 515 cases of exposed TM manholes.
To address the problem, TM has implemented measures including sealing manhole covers and installing secondary covers.
“The purpose of this initiative is to secure manhole covers, to prevent, or at least make it more difficult for, thieves and irresponsible parties to gain access to them,” Mohd Azlan said.
To date, 711 manhole cover welding works have been completed, with TM continuing these activities.
