Alarming Telecom Vandalism, Theft In Kelantan Threaten Coverage And Local Economy

KOTA BHARU, Sept 23 (Bernama) -- 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.

Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) Eastern Region Office senior director Mohd Fairus Muhamad said these incidents have also impacted the telecommunications industry, which bears millions of ringgit in losses for repair and restoration work.

"What is more concerning is that these estimates do not yet take into account the impact of disruptions on businesses and the daily activities of communities that depend on telecommunications services," he said at the 2026 Kelantan state-level #TelecommunicationsInfrastructureVandalism Prevention Campaign here today.

He said disruptions to communication infrastructure not only affect technical systems but can also disrupt learning, work matters and business transactions, particularly for online entrepreneurs who depend on network stability.

He added that the impact of disruptions can be even greater if damage or theft occurs on infrastructure shared by multiple telecommunications service providers.

"If the infrastructure is shared by all telcos, any act of vandalism can cut off every line, and users, whether on CelcomDigi, Maxis, U Mobile or any other provider, can lose coverage," he said.

Mohd Fairus said the recovery period also depends on the components stolen or damaged, especially if the equipment must be sourced from the telecommunications company's headquarters outside Kelantan.

He said MCMC, together with enforcement authorities and industry players, is tightening coordination, including proposing a Telecommunications Infrastructure Vandalism Prevention Sub-Committee involving MCMC, the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), local authorities, the Land and District Office and industry players.

Mohd Fairus said he has also asked PDRM to notify MCMC of related operations such as Ops Tembaga so that action can be coordinated, as vandalism cases involve multiple service providers, apart from Telekom Malaysia.

He urged the public to report suspicious activity involving telecommunications infrastructure to MCMC or the police, particularly in areas with high rates of vandalism and theft.

Mohd Fairus also reminded contractors and the public to use the Call Before You Dig initiative to prevent fibre optic cables from being severed by excavation work, which can cause large-scale service disruptions.

-- BERNAMA