NILAI: Police have crippled seven cable theft syndicates following the arrests of 47 suspects in the district this year, says Nilai OCPD Supt Johari Yahya.
He said the suspects, aged between 17 and 58, were picked up during a nine-month crackdown on cable theft, telecommunications vandalism and premises break-ins.
The gangs' operations caused an estimated RM4.5mil in losses to telecommunications companies while triggering network disruptions and service outages for consumers.
"The suspects, some of whom had worked as subcontractors for a telecommunications company, were detained here and in the Klang Valley," Supt Johari told reporters at the district police headquarters on Friday (Oct 2).
"The majority of the thefts, believed to have been committed between 2am and 6am, were reported in Labu, Mantin and Lenggeng," he added.
Among those crippled were Gang Roy TM with 22 members arrested, Gang Siva RRU Maxis with eight, Gang Intheren Kabel IPG with seven, and Gang Krol Copperstrip with four.
Two members each were also arrested from Gang Subcon Amazon, Gang Leong Kabel and Gang Usop Klang.
"Their modus operandi involved breaking into Telekom Malaysia exchange buildings, stealing copper cables at substations, and carting away heavy cable drums and essential telecommunication components," Supt Johari said.
He noted that the syndicates targeted high-value infrastructure, including Telekom Malaysia cables, telecommunication card slots, Remote Radio Units and lightning conductors.
Police seized several rolls of cables, copper strips, vehicles used during the crimes, and specialised cutting tools such as sickles, pliers and shears.
Supt Johari confirmed that most suspects have been charged in court, with investigations framed under Section 379 and Section 457 of the Penal Code alongside Section 235(3) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
