SIBU, Oct 9 — Police are tracking down whoever is responsible for attempting to steal an underground electricity cable at Jalan Pedanum, Pakan yesterday.
Julau police chief DSP Alif Haiqal Ramesh Abdullah said the act of vandalism was discovered around 9am by a Sarawak Energy Berhad engineer conducting a routine inspection.
“Initial investigation found that the 240mm x 3C aluminium underground cable had been cut using a sharp object or grinder.
“However, the suspect managed to escape before retrieving the cable as its upper section was still fastened to the pole,” he said in a statement today.
Alif Haiqal said the incident took place around 15km from the Pakan Police Station, in a remote area without street lights or closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras.
“The nearest longhouse is also located about 3km away and the area is surrounded by oil palm trees,” he said.
The damage is estimated at around RM4,000 and marked the first such case reported in the area.
“The cable has yet to be fully operational as the installation project is still ongoing, but it is covered under insurance,” he said, adding that the case is being investigated under Section 431A of the Penal Code for mischief involving public utilities.
He urged those with information about the incident to contact the Pakan Police Station to assist with the investigation. — The Borneo Post
