Perak: Perak will establish a special cross-agency committee to coordinate enforcement and response efforts against trespassing, sabotage, and theft involving telecommunications infrastructure, including cable theft. State Communications, Multimedia and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO) Committee chairman Mohd Azlan Helmi announced the initiative, stating that the committee would be chaired by him, with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) serving as the secretariat. Telecommunications companies and enforcement agencies, including the Royal Malaysia Police, will also participate.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, acts of vandalism, such as tampering with manholes to steal cables or disrupting telecommunications facilities, are serious offences. These acts can be prosecuted under Section 325 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, which carries a fine of up to RM500,000, imprisonment of up to five years, or both. Mohd Azlan noted that this provision is expected to serve as a stronger deterrent, as many cable theft cases had previously been prosecuted under general theft offences with lighter penalties. The committee is expected to hold its first meeting at the end of this month.
Earlier, during the winding-up session of the royal address at the State Legislative Assembly sitting, Mohd Azlan highlighted that open manhole cases linked to cable theft have worsened since 2024, posing risks to road users when covers are not replaced. In 2024, 539 cases were recorded, which rose sharply to 908 in 2025. As of March this year, 377 cases have been recorded, marking a 68 percent increase compared with the same period last year. This trend demonstrates that trespassing and open manhole incidents remain widespread despite various measures, underscoring the need for a more comprehensive approach involving agencies and local communities.
Meanwhile, a Rapid Response Team (RRT) has been established with MCMC and Telekom Malaysia (TM) to enhance public safety, especially in handling open manholes. Mohd Azlan stated that 14 RRT teams have been deployed statewide since April 15, with three based in Kinta and one each in Kampar, Perak Tengah, Batang Padang, Hilir Perak, Hulu Perak, Kerian, Kuala Kangsar, Larut Matang dan Selama, Manjung, Muallim, and Bagan Datuk. The primary function of the RRT is to respond immediately to complaints or reports of open manholes, with actions including closing the manhole or placing safety cones or barricades as temporary protection.
Additionally, WhatsApp groups involving local councils, police, elected representatives, and village heads have been formed to improve communication and expedite information sharing on telecom infrastructure issues.