KUCHING: The Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication (MUT) will launch a large-scale Campaign to Prevent Vandalism in an effort to combat this irresponsible behaviour.
Its Minister, Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi, said that the campaign is MUT's effort to curb vandalism activities against utility and telecommunication assets in Sarawak.
He emphasised that vandalism activities showed a significant increase between 2022 and 2023, with losses amounting to millions of ringgit.
"In 2022, a total of 521 vandalism cases involving telecommunication assets, electrical supply, water, and gas distribution were recorded, with losses amounting to RM3,763,606.
"Meanwhile, in 2023, a total of 1,406 vandalism cases involving telecommunication assets, electrical supply, water, and gas distribution were recorded, with losses amounting to RM19,673,977," he said.
He made these remarks during a press conference at the Menara LCDA here on Thursday.
Dato Sri Julaihi added that from January to March this year, a total of 45 vandalism cases were recorded compared to 27 cases in the same period in 2023.
He explained that Kuching recorded the highest vandalism cases, followed by Bintulu and Miri.
"So, that's why we hope to reduce these cases through a large-scale campaign followed by continuous campaigns to be held throughout Sarawak after its launch," he added.
Present at the press conference were his Deputy Minister (Telecommunication) Datuk Liwan Lagang, MUT Permanent Secretary Jafri Lias, and other government officials. -UKASnews
