KUCHING: Perimeter walls have been built at five Sarawak Multimedia Authority Rural Transformation (SMART) telecommunication tower sites after repeated vandalism, says Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi.
The state Utility and Telecommunication Minister said the walls cost over RM100,000 each, highlighting the financial burden caused by vandalism.
"One telecommunication tower costs about RM2.5mil to build. It is very costly if we have to spend another RM100,000 to wall up the site, like what was done at Sungai Rayah in Sarikei after the fifth occurrence of intrusion and theft.
"It is too bad," he told reporters after opening the Converged Telecommunications Policy and Regulations masterclass here on Monday (July 27).
Besides Sungai Rayah, Julaihi said the Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC) had built perimeter walls at four other SMART tower locations.
He called for greater public awareness against vandalism of utility infrastructure to complement enforcement action.
"Vandalism can occur anywhere, in rural and urban areas. Awareness is very important to minimise vandalism, especially by highlighting its impact on electricity and water supply and telecommunication services.
"The media play an important role in helping us to spread awareness," he said.
He added that the ministry will continue to carry out anti-vandalism awareness campaigns at divisional and community levels.
