Beladin, Sarawak – Four local men aged between 30 and 39 have been arrested in connection with the theft of a Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) transformer unit worth RM30,000 near the Tanjung Lilin Ferry Terminal, Betong.
According to Betong District Police Chief DSP Rejali Angong, the theft was reported to the police on July 16 at 8.56am after SEB discovered the transformer missing by the roadside. Acting swiftly on the report, officers from the Betong IPD Criminal Investigation Division launched an operation the next day.
Between 12.00 noon and 5.50pm on July 17, the police team conducted a series of raids at different locations around Beladin. All four suspects, who are locals, were successfully apprehended during the operation. Investigations revealed that two of the suspects have prior criminal records related to drug abuse.
Police also successfully recovered the stolen transformer unit, which was returned to SEB. DSP Rejali confirmed that the suspects were remanded on July 18 to assist in the investigation under Section 379 of the Penal Code, which carries a punishment of up to seven years in prison, a fine, or both if convicted.
Authorities are now calling on the public to remain alert and help prevent similar crimes. DSP Rejali urged anyone with information about theft cases involving electrical cables, transformers, or substation tower components to report it to the nearest police station immediately.
This case highlights ongoing concerns over theft targeting critical infrastructure, especially in rural and semi-rural parts of Sarawak. SEB and the police continue to work together to curb such criminal activities that disrupt public services and endanger lives.
