KUCHING: Damaged and vandalised street lights along Jalan Casuarina and Jalan Bako here caused by thieves stealing copper wires are forcing motorists in the area to travel in darkness and putting the public in danger.
Street light vandalism cases are also rising in the city. In 2022 alone, a total of 818 damaged street lights were reported. Hotspot areas include Demak Laut Sejingkat, parts of Petra Jaya and Bako.
For the Jalan Casuarina and Jalan Bako cases, Sarawak Energy’s technical team discovered that the twin-flat wires inside all the street light columns along the whole stretch of road had been stolen after road users reported unlit street lights in the area. Unfortunately, not long after replacement, the replaced wires were stolen again.
Police reports have been lodged and the utility company is increasing patrols in the area to prevent the incident from recurring but is appealing for public cooperation to monitor the area and report any suspicious activities.
Sarawak Energy has warned that the criminal activity is dangerous and can be fatal for road users.
“Stealing live electrical cables and wires can result in flashovers or electrocution, burns and even death. In cases of unlit street lights caused by wire theft, motorists run the risk of road accidents when driving along the affected roads,” it said.
During Gawai Dayak holidays, a suspected vandal was found dead while holding cut twin-flat wires at Jalan Sibiyu in Bintulu. Electrocution is suspected as the cause of death.
“These cases show that vandals are willing to disregard safety and risk their lives for small gains which can potentially lead to undesirable consequences,” the utility company said.
Meanwhile, Sarawak Energy has increased patrols at commonly affected areas and installed remote sensors to detect unauthorised entry at its facilities. For street lights, its technical team is looking into modifying the circuits and installing temporary twin twisted wires which will be suspended from the street light columns.
The public can report suspicious activities to Sarawak Energy’s 24-hour Customer Care Centre at 1300-88-3111 or email customercare@sarawakenergy.com.
