Vandalism, theft threaten network coverage in Kelantan
KOTA BARU: Vandalism and theft of telecommunications infrastructure in Kelantan have reached an alarming level and could disrupt communication coverage and the livelihoods of people if critical infrastructure is affected.
KOTA BARU: Vandalism and theft targeting telecommunications infrastructure in Kelantan has become a pressing issue, potentially disrupting communication services and impacting the livelihoods of residents, warned Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) senior director Mohd Fairus Muhamad. These criminal acts have already resulted in significant financial losses for the telecommunications sector, as repair and restoration efforts can cost millions of ringgit, he said during the 2026 Kelantan state-level TelecommunicationsInfrastructureVandalism Prevention Campaign.
Mohd Fairus emphasized that the consequences of such disruptions extend beyond technical systems, affecting education, work, and business transactions, particularly for online entrepreneurs who rely on stable network connections. He also pointed out that if shared infrastructure is targeted by multiple telecommunications providers, even a single act of vandalism can cut off all lines, leaving users without coverage, regardless of their service provider.
The recovery time for affected telecommunications infrastructure depends on the severity of the damage, especially if stolen or damaged equipment must be sourced from the company's headquarters outside Kelantan, resulting in extended downtime. To counter this growing problem, MCMC is collaborating with law enforcement and industry stakeholders, proposing the establishment of a Telecommunications Infrastructure Vandalism Prevention Sub-Committee involving the police, local authorities, the Land and District Office, and industry players.
Mohd Fairus has also requested police notification of related operations, such as Ops Tembaga, to ensure coordinated responses.
He urged the public to report any suspicious activity involving telecommunications infrastructure to the MCMC or the police, particularly in areas with high rates of vandalism and theft. Additionally, contractors and the public are reminded to utilize the Call Before You Dig initiative to prevent damage to fiber optic cables during excavation, which could lead to extensive service disruptions.
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