Lim (left) checking an uncovered manhole with (from second left) Peh, Tan and Lai. — Photos: CHAN TAK KONG/The Star
A SPATE in underground telecommunications cable thefts in Kepong, Kuala Lumpur, is posing a danger to pedestrians and motorists.
This has not only disrupted local communication services but also poses a safety hazard to road users who risk injury from the uncovered manholes left in the wake.
Kepong MP Lim Lip Eng said the thieves’ modus operandi involved opening up a manhole cover, removing the telecommunication cables then extracting and selling the valuable copper wire within.
“While complaints of cable theft surfaced two months ago, the problem has become more rampant in the last two weeks.
“We have had reports of such theft in several areas in Kepong including Kepong Baru, Taman Usahawan and Jalan Kepong Garden,” he said.
Lim said he counted three uncovered manholes within a 100m stretch of Jalan Kepong Garden.
“We suspect that the thieves are working in a group, as the manhole cover is very heavy for one person to lift,” he said during a press conference held at Jalan Kepong Garden.
A closeup of damaged cables.
Lim said he had lodged a report at Kepong Police Station in July and the police had intensified patrolling around the affected areas.
“I have also highlighted the matter to the Communications Ministry and Telekom Malaysia, after which the latter replaced the stolen underground cables,” he said.
He noted that a vehicle ran into an uncovered manhole recently and got its tyre stuck.
“Pedestrians could also fall into the manhole, particularly at night when visibility is low.
“I urge residents to call the police if they come across anyone trying to steal telecommunication cables.
“Do not engage with the thieves as they could react aggressively.
“Some residents associations have also set up their own patrols to help the police,” Lim added.
Present during the press conference were Kepong Zone 5 Federal Territories Residents Representative Council (MPPWP) chairman Alice Peh and Lim’s assistant Cremund Tan.
Shortly after the press conference, contractors were seen putting new covers on manholes along Jalan Kepong Garden.
On a separate matter, Kepong MP’s office, Kepong MPPWP and Jinjang New Village will jointly hold free health screenings and consultations for Kepong folks.
Lim said the event will be held today at Jinjang Utara community hall on Jalan Jinjang Utama, next to the Jinjang Police Station, from 10am to 1pm.
“We will be having it every Saturday. A doctor will assess the patients’ health to check if further medical intervention is needed,” he said, adding that if well received, it would be made a recurrent event.
