Sarawak wants heavier penalties to deter cable theft

KUCHING: Sarawak will review existing laws to impose heavier penalties on buyers of stolen scrap metal as the existing law is too lenient.

“I will consult the Sarawak Attorney General (Datu Saferi Ali) regarding the law on second-hand goods as the present penalty of RM5,000 is too low,” said Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

Speaking after launching the vandalism prevention campaign for telecommunications facilities on Wednesday (July 3), he said the state needs to end vandalism and theft, especially those involving utility and telecommunication facilities as data shows the trend is on the rise.

“Last year alone, Sarawak Energy (Sesco) incurred a loss of RM20mil from vandalism. “When there is a blackout, the people blame Sesco when it was the theft of cables,” he said.

Under the Second Hand Dealers Act 1946, any person who contravenes Section 6 or 8 shall, on conviction, be liable to a fine not exceeding RM1,000, or imprisonment for three months, or both.

For second or subsequent offences, the law also provides for a fine not exceeding RM5,000, or imprisonment up to two years, or both.

Abang Johari said the power to amend the law is under the federal government and he would have to consult the Attorney General if other laws, such as those under local authorities, can be applied.

“Maybe we can look at these laws like the Local Authority Ordinance because the current fine of RM5,000 is insufficient,” he said.

In the meantime, he called on community leaders to work together with utility companies in preventing vandalism and theft of their property,

Likewise, he said utility companies should also look after their assets, especially those in strategic areas.

“If you build a fence, build one that is strong. Don’t just use wire to fence up the area,” he advised.