THREE solar street lamps installed to improve road safety along Jalan Diong Kik and Lorong Deshon in Sibu, Sarawak, have been stolen.
Sarawak Public Health, Housing and Local Government Deputy Minister Datuk Michael Tiang said local denizens had informed him of the theft.
“Residents discovered all three missing at the same time.
“Two were taken from Jalan Diong Kik and one from Lorong Deshon 18,” he said.
The Pelawan assemblyman estimated each street lamp to cost about RM2,000.
“The thieves cut the iron poles, likely using an electric saw.”
In 2022, Tiang funded the installation of 20 solar street lamps to improve road safety, while awaiting for the authorities to instal more lights.
He said the installation was a huge relief for residents as the roads were quite dark.
“However, their happiness was short-lived when the street lamps were stolen.”
He said the lights would be replaced with thicker iron poles to prevent future thefts.
Tiang urged the community to refrain from stealing public property, as it causes unnecessary hardship for everyone. — By ANDY CHUA