IPOH: The sophistication involved in over 1,200 communication cable thefts in Perak since 2024 points to an “inside job”, says Comm Datuk Noor Hisam Nordin.
The Perak police chief said this was because the thefts were not merely the work of laymen but involved individuals with specialised skills and knowledge.
“From our investigations, we believe that information about the underground cables might have come from insiders or perhaps also from contractors appointed by these utility companies or vendors,” he said.
Comm Noor Hisam noted that it would be difficult for a layman to open a manhole where the cables are located, let alone know the exact locations of such cables.
“There is a possibility that information was leaked by either the vendors or the contractors,” he said, adding that those found to be implicated with the thieves would also be arrested.
He also said that opening a manhole requires specialised equipment and skills beyond the reach of ordinary individuals, with the thieves operating in groups or as part of a syndicate.
Each member is assigned a specific role such as acting as sentries, opening the manhole covers, cutting the cables, driving the getaway vehicle and selling the stolen items, said Comm Noor Hisam.
The cables are stolen for their copper wires, which can fetch between RM20 and RM36 per kg, and are usually sold to unlicensed scrap metal shops or individuals.
“Most of the suspects that we have arrested are hardcore or repeat drug offenders,” he said, adding that the trademarks on cables belonging to Telekom Malaysia Bhd and Tenaga Nasional Bhd are removed before they are sold.
Comm Noor Hisam also said that a total of 1,218 cable theft cases were reported between 2024 and March this year.
He said the cases were on the rise, increasing from 407 in 2024 to 615 last year, with 106 cases recorded as of March this year.
Ipoh recorded the highest number of cases, with 555 over the three-year period, he added.
Comm Noor Hisam said that a total of 1,399 people have been arrested since 2024, with 686 having been charged and convicted in court.
Meanwhile, Perak communications committee chairman Mohd Azlan Helmi said the act of opening a manhole cover is, by itself, a serious offence under Section 235 of the Communications and Multimedia Act.
Those convicted could face a fine of up to RM500,000 or a maximum imprisonment term of five years.
“The state has discussed the matter with the relevant agencies and feels that opening manhole covers is no longer just vandalism, but also involves elements of sabotage.
“This is a serious matter as such acts cause damage and destabilise the communications network, resulting in losses for the state as well as the nation,” he added.
Mohd Azlan said the state has set up a Network Integrity and Security Committee to coordinate enforcement, monitoring and preventive action.
