KUCHING: Police have arrested a local man believed to be involved in cable theft activities in the Jalan BDC area, raising concerns over repeated crimes that disrupt public utilities and pose risks to public safety.
The suspect, a 36-year-old local man, was arrested during an operation by the Kuching district police while he was allegedly in the act of committing the offence. Two other individuals believed to be involved in the same crime managed to escape during the incident and are now being actively tracked by the authorities.
Kuching District Police Chief ACP Alexson Naga Chabu said the arrest was made following surveillance and prompt action by police officers who were monitoring suspicious activity in the area. He said cable theft cases are taken seriously as they can cause power disruptions, financial losses, and inconvenience to residents and businesses.
Initial investigations revealed that the suspect has a long criminal history. A check on police records found that he has 13 previous criminal records, indicating a pattern of repeat offending. Further checks also showed that an initial urine screening test conducted on the suspect returned a positive result for drugs.
ACP Alexson said the case is being investigated under Section 431A of the Penal Code. If convicted, the suspect may face a prison sentence of up to two years, or a fine, or both. He added that police are continuing investigations to identify and locate the other suspects involved in the case.
The police believe the group may be part of a wider cable theft operation targeting infrastructure in several areas. Such crimes not only affect utility services but also endanger lives, especially when cables linked to power or communication systems are damaged.
ACP Alexson also called on members of the public to play their part by reporting any suspicious activities in their neighbourhoods. He said timely information from the public can help prevent crimes and assist police in taking swift action.
Those with information related to the incident are urged to contact the investigating officer, Sergeant Asan Osman, at 019-867 5550. Members of the public can also report suspicious individuals or activities to the Kuching District Police Headquarters Control Centre at 082-24444 or to any nearby police station.
Police assured the public that enforcement and patrols will continue to ensure the safety and security of residents in Kuching, especially in areas prone to theft and vandalism.
