Telecom cable thefts are on the rise across Malaysia, threatening to cripple essential communication infrastructure, disrupt daily life, and burden the economy. From bustling urban centers to quiet rural communities, the wave of these crimes has spread like wildfire, leaving authorities grappling for effective solutions. This editorial seeks to highlight the urgent need for a coordinated national response to this escalating crisis.
A Nationwide Problem: Rising Cases Across Malaysia
Telecom cable theft is no longer a localized issue—it has become a nationwide epidemic. According to the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), there were over 1,490 reported cases of telecom cable theft in the first nine months of 2024, marking a significant rise compared to previous years​.
Regions like Perak, Selangor, and Johor have become hotbeds for such crimes, with syndicates targeting copper cables due to their high resale value in the scrap metal market. Even urban centers like Kuala Lumpur have not been spared, with thefts occurring in residential and industrial areas alike.
Economic and Social Impact: An Invisible Crisis
The consequences of telecom cable theft extend far beyond mere inconvenience. Disruptions to phone lines, internet services, and emergency response systems have a cascading effect on businesses, educational institutions, and healthcare services. In areas like Manjung, Perak, and Petaling Jaya, the impact has been severe, with residents facing prolonged outages. Businesses dependent on reliable internet connectivity for daily operations have reported losses amounting to thousands of ringgit per day​
Moreover, the thefts have led to significant repair costs for telecom providers, which are ultimately passed down to consumers. TM Perak’s general manager noted that the cost of replacing stolen cables and repairing infrastructure damage could run into millions of ringgit annually, straining the resources of service providers and delaying new projects​
The Role of Scrap Metal Dealers: A Growing Concern
A primary factor fuelling this crime wave is the demand for copper in the scrap metal industry. Copper prices have soared in recent years, making it a lucrative target for thieves. Investigations by PDRM and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) have revealed a disturbing pattern: many scrap metal dealers may be complicit, knowingly purchasing stolen materials and feeding into an illegal supply chain. Some dealers have been found to operate without proper licenses or regulatory oversight, making it difficult to trace stolen goods​.
Authorities have warned that those caught dealing in stolen materials face severe legal repercussions, including hefty fines and the revocation of business licenses. However, enforcement has been inconsistent, with only a handful of cases leading to successful prosecutions. This lack of stringent action has emboldened criminal syndicates, who continue to exploit the gaps in the system.
High-Risk Regions: Perak, Selangor, and Johor in the Crosshairs
In Perak, regions like Ipoh and Manjung have seen a particularly sharp increase in telecom cable thefts. Police officials report that organized crime groups are behind most of these incidents, often employing sophisticated methods to strip and transport cables quickly. In Selangor, industrial areas such as Shah Alam and Klang have also been targeted, affecting not only residential areas but also key business districts. Johor, with its proximity to the Singapore border, faces unique challenges, as stolen copper is often smuggled across state lines for faster disposal in the international black market​.
These high-risk regions require a targeted approach, with enhanced patrolling and the use of advanced surveillance technology like CCTV cameras and drone monitoring. Telecom companies have started installing anti-theft devices and alarm systems, but these measures alone are not enough to deter well-organized theft syndicates.
Government Response: A Call for Stronger Legislation
The Ministry of Home Affairs has acknowledged the growing problem but has yet to implement comprehensive nationwide policies to address it. While some steps have been taken, such as increasing patrols in hotspot areas and conducting raids on suspected scrap yards, these actions have been largely reactive rather than preventive. Experts argue that Malaysia needs stricter regulations for the scrap metal industry, including a national registry for scrap transactions and mandatory reporting of large copper purchases​.
YB Commander (R) Nordin Ahmad Ismail has been vocal about the need for tougher penalties and better coordination between law enforcement agencies. He has proposed the formation of a multi-agency task force to tackle the issue at its roots, targeting not only the thieves but also the unscrupulous scrap dealers who are key enablers of the crime.
Public Awareness and Community Involvement: A Crucial Element
The role of the public in combating telecom cable theft cannot be overstated. Community vigilance is essential, as many thefts occur in isolated areas under the cover of darkness. Local neighbourhood watch groups have already stepped up their efforts, organizing patrols and reporting suspicious activities to the authorities. Telecom providers have also launched awareness campaigns, urging customers to report any disruptions or signs of tampering with infrastructure​.
Programs that reward tip-offs leading to the arrest of cable thieves have been introduced in some areas, showing promising results. The public must be made aware that cable theft is not a victimless crime; it affects everyone, from the student unable to attend online classes to the elderly person unable to make an emergency call.
Moving Forward: A Unified National Strategy Needed
The current piecemeal approach to tackling telecom cable thefts is insufficient. Malaysia needs a unified national strategy that involves all stakeholders: law enforcement, telecom companies, regulatory bodies, and the public. This strategy should include:
- Stricter Legislation: Amend existing laws to impose heavier fines and longer prison sentences for those involved in cable theft and the illegal copper trade.
- Enhanced Enforcement: Establish a national task force with the power to conduct coordinated raids across states and shut down unlicensed scrap yards.
- Community Education: Launch a nationwide campaign to educate the public about the impact of cable theft and encourage community reporting of suspicious activities.
- Industry Collaboration: Strengthen partnerships between telecom providers and law enforcement to share data and intelligence on theft patterns.
Conclusion: Time for Decisive Action
The rise in telecom cable thefts across Malaysia is a crisis that demands immediate and decisive action. While authorities have taken steps to address the issue, the response has been fragmented and reactive. A comprehensive national strategy, driven by strong leadership from the Ministry of Home Affairs and the active involvement of regional officials like YB Commander (R) Nordin Ahmad Ismail, is crucial. Only by addressing the root causes, implementing stricter regulations, and fostering community involvement can Malaysia hope to curb this growing menace and safeguard its critical infrastructure.
The time to act is now, before the nation’s communication networks suffer irreparable damage. Let us not wait until it is too late to protect the backbone of our digital society.