BUTTERWORTH: The recent spate of cable thefts has left manholes exposed in Butterworth, Penang, posing a serious danger to road users, says a Penang MCA leader.
Penang MCA vice-chairman Dr Tan Chuan Hong said to tackle the problem effectively, enforcement must go hand in hand with preventive measures involving all relevant parties.
He said police should work together with government agencies, telecommunications companies and local communities to curb the rising number of cable theft cases in Butterworth.
"The demand from the scrap metal industry is one of the main factors encouraging cable theft.
"The government needs to tighten regulation of scrap metal and recycling businesses by enforcing a registration system and conducting stricter checks on the source of cables being sold.
"Those found dealing in stolen cables should face action," he said.
Tan, who is also MCA Bagan division chief, also called on the police to increase patrols in high-risk areas and make greater use of closed-circuit television cameras and smart surveillance systems to improve detection and enforcement.
He said telecommunications companies should install anti-theft devices and alarm systems in theft hotspots or consider using cable materials that are more difficult to resell.
He also urged the public to play a role by reporting suspicious activities, such as people opening cable manholes, digging along roadsides late at night or transporting cables in suspicious vehicles.
"Prompt reports will allow the authorities to respond quickly before more damage is done," he said after attending a free mobile health screening programme organised by the Bagan MCA division at the Apollo Market in Butterworth on Sunday (July 12).
Meanwhile, Bagan MCA division organising secretary Lim Jit Fong said the free health screening included blood glucose, uric acid, blood pressure and body mass index (BMI) checks.
He said many chronic diseases have shown no obvious symptoms in their early stages, making regular health screening important for early detection, prevention and treatment.
