KUCHING: Utility and Telecommunication Minister Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi has talked about the issue of vandalism to telecommunication towers and apparently the issue has gone unresolved.
He wants the problem resolved once and for all, and has urged the relevant authorities to look into the issue. And he is suggesting that laws be introduced address the issue.
He highlighted the impact of vandalism on telecommunication facilities, particularly cable theft, stressing the challenges it poses to communication services.
“Cable cutting, which is a crucial component of telecommunication towers, poses problems and affects telecommunication facilities in the related areas.
“So, this is one of the losses that can occur for the people who need internet facilities, especially our youth for their education.
“And I hope the relevant agencies will look into it on how best they enforce stricter laws on scrap metals so that vandalism like this does not occur because vandalism of this nature thrives on demand for scrap metals,” he said.
He was speaking to reporters after officiating at the implementation briefing for the new Digital Economy Centre (PEDi) in Sarawak at the Riverside Hotel here today.
Julaihi stressed the importance of addressing the law of supply and demand that encourages the supply of materials like copper, contributing to vandalism.
As such, he called for action from authorities to curb the purchase of scrap items, particularly cables and copper, to discourage activities which contribute to vandalism.
He shared insights into a telecommunication tower in Paya Mebi, Landeh, that caught fire last year because of a short circuit and cable theft.
“The entire tower burned, and we were informed that there was a cable cut. The tower’s destruction adversely impacted telecommunication services in the surrounding area, he said.
Additionally, he highlighted challenges in establishing a new telecommunication tower due to the theft of essential components on-site.
“A 76-metre cable was cut and stolen, significantly delaying installation work,” he added.
To combat vandalism collectively, Julaihi stressed the importance of local community cooperation with relevant agencies.
He assured that his ministry is actively conducting an anti-vandalism campaign at the school level.
“We aim to educate school students because they are the younger generation. They need to be instilled with the awareness that vandalism has negative consequences on society.
“So, we started the vandalism campaign in schools last year and will continue in the future,” he said.
