SARAWAK suffered an estimated loss of RM5.4 million from 1,655 cases of damages to utility infrastructures, including electricity, water and telecommunications, recorded between January and October this year.
Utility and Telecommunication Minister Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi stressed that such acts of vandalism have disrupted utility and telecommunication services, causing significant inconvenience to the public.
To address the issue, he said the ministry has established an Anti-Vandalism Committee comprising various utility and telecommunication agencies.
The committee’s roles include reviewing proposed amendments to laws when necessary, enforcing regulations, conducting awareness campaigns, ensuring the security of utility assets, and implementing other initiatives to combat vandalism as needed.
He said this during his ministerial winding-up speech at the august House today.
Julaihi noted that Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg had launched the Sarawak-level Anti-Vandalism Prevention Campaign in July.
This, he added, was followed by the divisional-level campaign in Bintulu on October 29.
“The campaign will continue across all divisions in Sarawak to raise public awareness of vandalism and its consequences.
“In addition, four integrated ‘Ops Lusuh’ operations, led by the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) in collaboration with utility agencies, MCMC, and telecommunication companies, were carried out across Sarawak this year,” he said.
