KUCHING, Oct 29 — Two local men suspected of being involved in a cable theft operation were arrested following a raid conducted by the Lejang IPD Padawan Task Force Team at a house on Jalan Nanas Barat here on Tuesday evening.
According to police sources, the raid was carried out around 5.30pm after receiving information regarding suspicious activities in the area. During the operation, officers detained two suspects aged 34 and 47, believed to be actively involved in stealing and collecting cables for resale.
Police also seized three sacks filled with cable, several tools used for cutting and stripping wires, and two vehicles believed to have been used in the illegal activity.
District Police Chief Superintendent Abang Zainal Abidin Abang Ahmad confirmed the arrest, stating that initial investigations suggest the suspects had been operating for some time, targeting areas with minimal surveillance.
“The swift action by the task force prevented further losses to local utility companies and the public. We take such crimes seriously as they cause not only financial damage but also disrupt essential services such as electricity and communication,” he said in a statement.
Both suspects have been remanded for further investigation under Section 431A of the Penal Code, which pertains to mischief related to the destruction or theft of public utility infrastructure. If convicted, they may face imprisonment or fines depending on the severity of the offence.
Police have also urged the public to report any suspicious individuals or activities involving cable tampering, especially near housing areas, industrial zones, or remote sites.
The arrest highlights the continued effort by law enforcement agencies to curb property-related crimes, especially those affecting public utilities and infrastructure in the Kuching area.
