MCMC and telcos are working with police on an integrated plan to combat RM12.8 million in losses from tower cable theft and vandalism cases.
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission and telecommunications service providers are developing an integrated action plan with police to combat cable theft and vandalism at telecommunications towers.
Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching said this includes inspections of business premises and scrap collection centres that could potentially store stolen items.
“The Communications Ministry and MCMC, together with service providers, are constantly working with law enforcement and local communities to reduce the risk of theft and vandalism at communication towers,” she told the Dewan Rakyat.
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She was responding to Mordi Bimol’s query about telecommunications tower theft and vandalism statistics in Sarawak since 2024.
Teo revealed that Sarawak recorded three cable theft cases and 1,116 tower vandalism cases last year with estimated losses of RM9.3 million.
Up to the second quarter this year, 33 theft cases and 334 vandalism cases were reported in the state involving losses of RM3.48 million.
To enhance tower security under the National Digital Network Plan, service providers have hardened high-risk tower sites with anti-theft measures.
These include metal trunking to prevent copper cables from being cut and stolen along with fences and extra security locks for equipment cabinets.
“For high-risk areas, CCTV cameras and alarm systems have also been implemented to reduce the risk of theft and vandalism,” she said.
Equipment at tower sites is also equipped with sensors that send alerts to service providers during intrusion or damage to transmitter systems. – Bernama
