KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 12 — The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and telecommunications service providers are developing an integrated action plan with the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) to combat cable theft and vandalism at telecommunications towers, including inspections of business premises and scrap collection centres.
Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching said business premises and scrap yards could potentially be used to store stolen items, such as copper cables, batteries and electronic equipment.
“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, as well as to raise public awareness on these issues,” she said during question time in the Dewan Rakyat today.
She was responding to a question from Mordi Bimol (PH-Mas Gading) on statistics of telecommunications tower theft and vandalism cases in Sarawak since 2024, particularly in Mas Gading, including losses, enforcement actions, and measures to safeguard new towers.
Teo said that last year, Sarawak recorded three cable theft cases and 1,116 tower vandalism cases, with estimated losses of RM9.3 million, while up to the second quarter this year, 33 theft cases and 334 vandalism cases were reported, involving losses of RM3.48 million.
To enhance tower security under the National Digital Network Plan (Jendela), she said service providers had hardened high-risk tower sites by installing anti-theft and anti-vandalism measures such as metal trunking to prevent copper cables from being cut and stolen.
“In addition, fences and extra security locks have been installed in cabinets housing electronic equipment and batteries to protect these assets from damage or theft.
“For high-risk areas, CCTV cameras and alarm systems have also been implemented to reduce the risk of theft and vandalism,” she said.
Teo added that equipment at tower sites is also equipped with sensors that send alerts to service providers in the event of intrusion or damage to the transmitter systems.
