IPOH: Telekom Malaysia Bhd (TM) has intensified efforts to seal manhole covers and install second-layer covers as cable theft and open manholes continue to surge across Perak, especially in the Kinta district.
State Communications, Multimedia and Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) Committee chairman Mohd Azlan Helmi said the initiative, which aims to prevent or limit access by cable thieves, has seen 711 manholes sealed to date, with TM targeting high-risk areas where theft and vandalism frequently occur.
Mohd Azlan said despite these efforts, some sealed manholes have been forcibly broken open by irresponsible individuals attempting to steal underground cables.
“As of October 2025, the state recorded 193 cases of cable theft and 515 cases of open TM manholes.
“To combat the problem, TM has also increased security patrols in collaboration with police to monitor critical locations, including cable routes, manholes and network cabinets, to detect suspicious activity early,” he said in his winding-up speech at the state assembly sitting on Monday (Dec 1).
Mohd Azlan said TM Perak is also removing unused underground copper cables in phases as part of its network transformation programme.
He said the shift to full fibre aims to enhance service quality and reduce line disruptions.
“So far, 1,107km of underground copper cables have been removed.
“These works are usually carried out at night, and TM will notify the nearest police station beforehand for joint monitoring.
“This is a standard operating procedure to prevent impersonation,” he said.
Mohd Azlan said while many thieves continue targeting manholes expecting to find copper, TM has long upgraded large parts of its network in towns and urban areas to fibre optics.
“In some cases, when thieves discover there is no copper, they cut or damage fibre cables out of frustration.
“One such incident occurred in Kampar on Nov 27, where eight fibre cables were cut after a TM manhole was breached, disrupting Internet access for more than 4,000 users and affecting eight mobile network transmitters,” he said.
He added that acts of cutting, stealing or sabotaging cables, whether copper or fibre, are criminal offences that jeopardise digital infrastructure, disrupt businesses, affect students’ learning and endanger the public.
“The public is urged to report any cases of cable theft or open manholes to the nearest police station or TM at 100,” he added.
