‘The way we respond to vandalism reflects how we value our community and our shared assets. It’s about more than repairing damage; it’s about protecting our collective heritage.”
– Barack Obama, former president of the United States
Despite the advancements of the modern world, vandalism remains a persistent challenge that resists complete eradication.
It is a societal plight that transcends technology, infrastructure, and community progress.
In Sarawak, the stakes are particularly high as the state continues to grapple with the damaging impacts of vandalism on its critical utility and telecommunications infrastructure.
Recognising the urgency of this issue, the Sarawak government has expanded the Vandalism Prevention Against Utility and Telecommunication Facilities Campaign across all its divisions.
This strategic move aims to heighten community awareness and involvement, especially in rural areas where such facilities are vital yet vulnerable.
Minister of Utility and Telecommunications Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi, highlighted this initiative during a recent ceremony at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK).
Addressing an audience of over 3,200 people, including students from 27 secondary schools and various higher education institutions, Julaihi emphasised the importance of collective action and education in protecting Sarawak’s utilities from the costly impacts of vandalism.
“We hope that by implementing this programme at the divisional level, we can further raise awareness among the community, especially in rural areas,” Julaihi said.
His message was clear: combating vandalism requires a united front where everyone—from local officials to everyday citizens—plays a role in safeguarding public assets.
The campaign is already making strides in fostering a sense of responsibility and care for public assets.
Julaihi announced plans to extend the programmes to selected schools in the Central and Northern regions of Sarawak in collaboration with the Education Department.
This partnership has garnered strong support from local school management and local elected representatives which highlights a community-driven approach to tackling this issue.
Last year, awareness initiatives reached hundreds of students, instilling in them the importance of preserving their local infrastructure.
Such efforts are crucial in building a culture where young people grow up understanding the value of public property and the repercussions of vandalism.
The financial toll of vandalism on Sarawak’s utility infrastructure is staggering.
Julaihi revealed that the state has already suffered losses amounting to RM816,000 this year due to the theft and vandalism of utility cables, including telecommunications and electricity cables.
Last year alone, over 1,400 incidents resulted in RM20 million in damages to utility facilities.
“The repair and replacement of these assets also take a long time and cause service disruptions to users.
“What’s even more disheartening is that there are newly completed streetlights and telecommunications towers ready to operate, but unfortunately, the equipment has been damaged and stolen,” he said.
To combat these losses, Julaihi has called for stricter laws and harsher penalties for vandals.
He also emphasised the need for robust regulations governing the sale and purchase of scrap metal and used items.
This is to ensure that these materials are sourced legitimately.
“The regulations governing the sale and purchase of scrap metal and used metals should also be enforced, requiring verification of the items from legitimate sources,” he asserted.
Such measures are essential to dismantle the economic incentives that drive vandalism and theft.
In a significant move towards a coordinated response, the state has established the Anti-Vandalism Steering and Working Committees, which Julaihi chairs.
These committees bring together key stakeholders, including the State Attorney General, the Sarawak State Security and Enforcement Unit (UPKNS), the Ministry of Education, Innovation, and Talent Development (MEITD), and other relevant agencies.
The committees’ mandate is to devise and implement strategies and programmes that enhance enforcement and raise public awareness.
“We will implement more programmes to raise awareness and foster a culture of responsibility and care for utility and telecommunications assets,” Julaihi said.
Beyond financial and service continuity concerns, vandalism poses serious safety hazards.
Damaged equipment, especially in the utility sector, can become dangerous.
For instance, tampering with electrical infrastructure can expose live wires, leading to potential electric shocks or even fatalities for both vandals and innocent bystanders.
The risk is particularly acute for perpetrators who may not fully understand the dangers involved in their actions.
Telecommunication towers and utility poles, if compromised, can collapse or malfunction, posing risks to people and property nearby.
Furthermore, damaged streetlights due to vandalism can leave areas dark and increase the likelihood of accidents and crime.
Julaihi’s call to action is a reminder that combating vandalism requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders—government bodies, local authorities, educational institutions, and the public.
The fight against vandalism is not just about protecting assets but ensuring the continuous delivery of essential services to all Sarawakians.
As the campaign rolls out across Sarawak, the hope is that with increased vigilance and community participation, the scourge of vandalism can be significantly reduced, safeguarding the state’s infrastructure for the benefit of all its residents.
The expansion of the Vandalism Prevention Against Utility and Telecommunication Facilities Campaign is a crucial step in protecting Sarawak’s infrastructure.
By fostering a culture of responsibility and reinforcing legal frameworks, Sarawak can hope to mitigate the impacts of vandalism and ensure the uninterrupted delivery of essential services.
As Julaihi aptly put it, the success of this initiative hinges on the collective efforts of the community and stakeholders alike.
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the New Sarawak Tribune.
