Damage to utility infrastructure facilities by third parties is serious issue; losses running into millions of ringgit

 By Mohd Abdullah Lee

KUCHING, May 18 2026: Minister of Utilities and Telecommunications Julaihi Narawi has described as serious issue on damage to utility infrastructure facilities, such as electrical cables, water pipes, telecommunications cables, by third parties, especially construction contractors.

 

Caption: Minister Julaihi Narawi says damage caused to utlity infrastructure facilities has disrupted daily life of the people

He said the damage has resulted in millions of ringgit in losses and service disruptions or public nuisance to users.

“Damage to utility and telecommunications infrastructure facilities also often occurs during excavation works, such as severed underground cables, damaged utility poles and burst water pipes due to construction project work,” he said in his winding up speech in the state legislative assembly (SLA) today.

He said the damage takes a long time to repair and subsequently affects services to users.

“This will make it difficult for users to carry out their daily activities, as well as giving a bad image and perception to the government, especially the ministry and its agencies,” he said.

“For example, the incident of water pipeline damage in Jalan Wan Alwi, Kuching, in Sadong Jaya area,  Batu Kawa area, Simpang Tiga area and Batu Lintang area were caused by the negligence of a third party resulting in unplanned water supply disruptions to consumers,” he said.

He said the damage also caused losses to the relevant agencies for the cost of repairs and restoration of water supply, in addition to affecting local economic activities.

“In fact, we also went to the field to monitor and witness the repair work on the affected infrastructure,” Julaihi said.

He added a total of 862 cases of utility and telecommunications supply system disruptions caused by damage by third parties involving a total loss cost estimated at RM2.1 million.

He said out 862, a total 459 cases involved electricity supply, 214 water supply disruptions and 189 telecommunications infrastructure.

“Following this, several actions have been taken by coordinating with service providers for the purpose of service restoration, holding engagement sessions to increase public and contractor awareness, and increasing compliance with work permits to ensure the safety and continuity of utility and telecommunications infrastructure,” he said.

“ In addition, there are also situations where telecommunications cable damage is caused by rodent bites such as rats and squirrels.

“These rodents are known to like to bite fiber cables based on the experience of industry providers,” he sighed.