[UPDATE: 9:24pm] TM has issued an official statement regarding this incident, which we’ve included below:
TM confirms a recent cable theft incident involving our contractors and employees in Tanjung Bungah, Penang. We are fully cooperating with the authorities to facilitate their investigation. As the matter is still ongoing, we are unable to comment further at this time.
TM holds zero tolerance for any misconduct and will not hesitate to take firm and appropriate action based on the investigation findings, in line with our commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accountability throughout the organisation.
Cable theft is a serious offense that endangers lives, disrupts essential services that Malaysians rely on daily, and impacts the community. We urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities immediately by calling 999 or visiting the nearest police station.
TM is committed to ensuring the security and reliability of our nation’s digital infrastructure, and we will continue to collaborate closely with the authorities to prevent such incidents in the future. We thank Polis Diraja Malaysia (PDRM) for their commitment and swift action with respect to cable theft incidents.
[Original Story: 7:02pm]
Penang police have recovered 242 rods of telecommunication cable, illegally cut and stolen from the ground. Eight men have been arrested in connection with the theft, with two reportedly linked to Telekom Malaysia (TM).
According to George Town OCPD assistant commissioner Abdul Rozak Muhammad, the cables were discovered loaded onto lorries around 6am today on 17 December 2024 in Tanjung Bungah. Each one measures approximately four metres long and five centimetres in diameter, contains hundreds of finer strands, and are estimated to be worth RM100,000. He noted that the seizure is among the largest cable theft cases recorded in Penang.
“The men had identified themselves as staff from TM,” Abdul Rozak told reporters during a press briefing at the northeast district police headquarters in Jalan Patani. “However, checks found that no permission has been issued for the work being done.”
The suspects, aged between 31 and 42, are said to include two TM employees and six subcontractors. Four of the suspects have prior drug-related offences.
Investigations suggest the group was posing as legitimate workers and may be part of a larger syndicate. Abdul Rozak added that this was not their first operation using such a modus operandi.
Police have also seized two lorries, a pickup truck, and a van bearing TM logos as part of the investigation. The suspects are currently remanded for three days under Section 379 of the Penal Code, which pertains to theft.
(Source: The Star)
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