TAMBUNAN: A cable theft incident occurred at Kampung Kiawayan 3am on Thursday, causing a six-hour power outage and raising serious concerns about safety in the area.
Eye witness Macklin Kunjan said he woke up after hearing dogs barking incessantly. Feeling suspicious, he went outside and spotted a white vehicle parked in the village.
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While the vehicle’s registration number could not be identified, it was seen being used by two individuals who were pulling telecommunication cables using the vehicle.
“The electrical cable snapped when they pulled it, and immediately after that, our village was left in darkness,” explained Macklin. He added that the incident happened so quickly that the thieves fled as soon as they noticed the presence of the villagers.
Due to the damage to the electrical cables, the entire Kampung Kiawayan had to endure an electrical outage for several hours before the authorities managed to restore power.
The villagers are now increasingly worried as the theft not only involves cables but also opens the door for burglars to invade residential areas. This follows a series of thefts reported in nearby villages around Tambunan over the past few months, including incidents involving stolen lawnmowers, water pumps, garden sensors, gas cylinders, and cooking stoves.
“This is not the first time. Many villages around Tambunan have faced similar incidents. We are afraid these thieves will not just steal cables but may even break into our homes,” he said.
As a result, the villagers of Kampung Kiawayan have called on the authorities, especially the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM), to step up patrols, particularly late at night and in the early morning — times believed to be favoured by thieves for their activities.
At the same time, Macklin and other residents hope that the RELA (People’s Volunteer Corps) and the Neighbourhood Watch (KRT) will be reactivated and collaborate with the police to carry out more frequent patrols in the affected villages.
They have also requested relevant parties, including telecommunication companies, to take immediate action to address the non-functioning telecommunication cables that are left hanging, as this makes it easier for theft to happen again.
“We just want our safety restored. The residents are getting more worried. It’s time for this matter to be taken seriously,” Macklin said.
The people of Tambunan are now hoping that immediate action will be taken to ensure the safety and well-being of the entire community in the district.
