“Telecommunication vandalism must therefore be viewed as a public interest and state development issue,” he said in his speech at a briefing programme titled “Breaking the Chain of Telecommunication Infrastructure Vandalism: From Site to Market” here today.

James said efforts to address the issue should not only focus on the affected sites but also on disrupting the entire supply chain that creates demand for stolen components.

“As long as there are parties willing to buy cables, batteries, metals or telecommunication components obtained illegally, such activities will continue to benefit the perpetrators,” he said.

On enforcement action, James said amendments to Section 235 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 provide for a fine of up to RM500,000, imprisonment of up to five years, or both, for offences involving damage to network facilities.

He also urged the public to assist the authorities by immediately reporting any suspicious activities around telecommunication towers or facilities.

“The state government will continue to support the development of digital infrastructure in line with the Sabah Maju Jaya aspiration, particularly in expanding connectivity access in rural and interior areas,” he said.

However, James stressed that efforts to build new infrastructure must be accompanied by measures to protect existing assets from further damage.

He said allocations for the telecommunications sector should be used to expand network coverage and quality rather than replacing stolen equipment.

James expressed confidence that close cooperation between the state government, Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), enforcement agencies, local authorities, industry players and the community could break the chain of vandalism for the benefit of Sabahans.

-- BERNAMA