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Kota Kinabalu: Possible sabotage linked to scavengers extracting copper has not been ruled out in recent fire incidents at the Kayu Madang landfill in Telipok, Mayor Datuk Seri Sabin Samitah said on Monday.

He said the presence of scavengers targeting copper and metal from burnt waste could be a contributing factor alongside dry weather conditions and highly flammable materials.

Sabin said City Hall (DBKK) is working with relevant stakeholders and reviewing proposals from several companies to improve waste management at the landfill and prevent future incidents.

Speaking after officiating the Mayor’s Innovation Awards 2025 at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC), he said innovation is essential to modernise services, improve efficiency and support the adoption of technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI).

He added that DBKK continues to address illegal roadside dumping through scheduled waste collection and public reports, noting that enforcement is challenging as dumping often occurs at night.