IPOH: The Perak government is cracking down on telecommunications equipment vandalism, urging telcos to step up and take greater responsibility for securing their own infrastructure.
State Communications, Multimedia, and NGO Committee Chairman Mohd Azlan Helmi said the issue will be a main agenda item at the upcoming inter-agency committee meeting formed to tackle cable theft and unsecured manholes.
Speaking at a press conference at Stadium Indera Mulia on Tuesday (Oct 6), Azlan said that telecommunications providers cannot rely solely on law enforcement to safeguard their assets.
“Following discussions with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), the committee will look into additional guidelines and security measures,” he said.
“Enforcement must be balanced with the responsibility of equipment owners. Possible action against telco operators who fail to take adequate measures to protect their assets will also be discussed.”
Azlan noted that proposed recommendations from the meeting will be submitted to MCMC headquarters for further evaluation.
He stressed that tampering with telecommunication facilities goes beyond petty crime or simple vandalism.
“From our perspective, tampering with this equipment is an act of sabotage against the state’s network and connectivity,” Azlan warned. “Therefore, the penalties will be severe.”
Under Section 235 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, strict legal action can be taken against anyone who tampers with or vandalises telecommunications installations.
Azlan stated that authorities are closely monitoring prosecution figures under Section 235, noting a rise in enforcement following increased public awareness of the law.
While the latest compiled figures run through July, upcoming data for the fourth quarter will help benchmark trends for the end of the year and shape strategies for 2027.
“The goal is not simply to record more prosecutions, but to ensure that heavier penalties and proactive enforcement effectively deter syndicates and individuals from targeting critical infrastructure,” he added.
The press conference followed the exchange of two Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) involving Digital Perak Corporation Holdings—one with CyberSecurity Malaysia and another with Novus Transact Malaysia Sdn Bhd—aimed at enhancing state cybersecurity and supporting local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
