Focus on perpetrators of crime, buyers of stolen goods to address issue of vandalism and cable theft, deputy minister tells the authorities

KUCHING:, June 13 2026: The issue of vandalism and cable theft affecting public facilities needs to be addressed more comprehensively by focusing not only on the perpetrators of the crime, but also on those who buy the stolen goods.

Deputy Minister of Utilities and Telecommunications (Sarawak Energy Berhad and Petros) Ibrahim Baki (picture) said that the demand for stolen cables is one of the main factors that drives the activity to continue despite various preventive measures being implemented.

According to him, the authorities need to intensify monitoring and conduct investigations up to the level of buyers or networks involved in the sale and purchase of stolen cables. 

“If there are no buyers, there are no sellers. That is why we need to look at the entire chain of activities and not just arrest individuals who steal cables,” he said when met after the launch of the Smart Street Lighting Project in Kampung Nombor Satok this evening.

He also urged the police and related agencies to increase patrols and enforcement in areas that are often targets of cable theft, including locations of public facilities that use lighting systems and utility supplies. 

He said that among the areas that have been affected is the Datuk Amar Juma'ani Bridge, but security measures such as security guards and the installation of closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras will be implemented as soon as possible.

Meanwhile, he informed that DBKU has received allocations to expand the installation of CCTV in several strategic locations as part of efforts to strengthen the city's security aspects and protect public property.

He added that cable theft not only causes financial losses to related agencies, but can also pose safety risks to the public when certain areas become dark and increase the possibility of accidents and criminal incidents.

He also praised the efforts of Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) which uses smart technology including drones and detection systems to combat electricity theft and identify premises involved in illegal cryptocurrency mining, thus helping to reduce losses and increase enforcement effectiveness.