TAMBUNAN: Swift public action foiled an attempt to steal cables belonging to Telekom Malaysia (TM) by three men at a roadside area in Kampung Karanaan, here, on Wednesday.
The 4.10am incident was detected when a group of villagers noticed suspicious activity in a nearby bush area and immediately alerted the police.
Acting on the information, a team from Tambunan police station rushed to the scene and arrested the three suspects who were in the process of removing cables from an underground pit.
Keningau District Police Chief Supt Yampil Anak Garai said local trio, aged 35-36, were from Tambunan and Keningau.
Initial inspection at the scene found the cable pit cover had been opened by about two feet, and about four feet of cable had already been cut.
Telekom Malaysia personnel, who were present, confirmed that the cables belonged to the company. Police also seized a pickup truck believed used by the suspects, along with two cable cutters.
Advertisement
Record checks revealed that two of the suspects have prior criminal records related to narcotics offences, while the third has no previous record.
All suspects are currently detained at the Keningau District Police Headquarters (IPD) for further action under Section 379 of the Penal Code for theft.
Urine screening tests will also be conducted after a remand application is made to assist investigations led by Investigating Officer Sergeant Davis Anak Hassan.
