BINTANGOR, 25 JULY 2026 – Narawi, today visited the SMART (Sarawak Multimedia Authority Rural Telecommunication) tower site at Sungai Rayah, Bintangor, to review anti-vandalism measures implemented at the site.
Julaihi was accompanied by YB Datuk Ding Kuong Hiing, ADUN N.46 Meradong, Encik Adiman Ajem, Director of the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), and Ts. Hamadlan Haji Hamdan, Chief Digital Officer (CDO) of Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC) Berhad. Also present during this visit were representatives from Sarikei Resident Office and the Meradong District Office Meradong, as well as personnel from SDEC and the Ministry.
The visit was part of the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to safeguard telecommunications infrastructure against vandalism and theft, while strengthening the resilience, reliability, and continuity of telecommunications services across Sarawak.
The Sarawak Government views vandalism against telecommunications infrastructure as a serious concern, as such incidents can disrupt essential telecommunications services and affect the quality and reliability of connectivity enjoyed by the public. In 2025, a total of 726 cases of vandalism involving telecommunications infrastructure were recorded across Sarawak, resulting in estimated losses of approximately RM8.99 million. Of these, 28 cases were recorded in the Sarikei Division alone, with estimated losses amounting to RM314,534.42.
During the visit, Julaihi and the delegation were briefed on the preventive measures implemented at the site and toured the facility to observe the security enhancements firsthand.
“Through the Anti-Vandalism Committee established by my Ministry, aside from awareness and various preventive initiatives have been implemented to address vandalism and theft involving telecommunications infrastructure,” he said.
“As part of these efforts, SDEC has strengthened and hardened the security at several telecommunications sites that have experienced repeated incidents of vandalism and theft. At the Sungai Rayah site, the existing chain-link perimeter fence has been upgraded to a brick wall fitted with wire mesh, while the existing entrance gate has been replaced with a stronger solid galvanised steel gate. These security enhancements are intended to prevent unauthorised access, vandalism, and theft at telecommunications sites,” Julaihi added.
Protecting public utilities such as telecommunication infrastructure remains a key priority as Sarawak continues to expand digital connectivity, particularly across rural and underserved areas. Stronger security measures will help ensure the reliability and continuity of telecommunications services throughout Sarawak.
“I therefore urge members of the public to play their part in protecting telecommunications infrastructure and to report any suspicious activities to the relevant authorities. Safeguarding these public assets is a shared responsibility to ensure reliable and uninterrupted telecommunications services for the benefit of all,” he added.
The working visit also provided an opportunity for the Ministry, MCMC, and SDEC, to assess the effectiveness of the security measures implemented at the Sungai Rayah site. Similar enhancements are being considered for other telecommunications sites identified as being at high risk of vandalism and theft as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the protection of Sarawak’s telecommunications infrastructure.