Two men caught burning stolen telecom cables to extract copper

SARATOK: Two local men allegedly caught burning stolen telecommunications cables to extract copper were arrested at an oil palm plantation here, with police recovering pieces of the metal and aluminium.

Acting on public information, the suspects were arrested in Kampung Pagan on Monday (Oct. 12), while allegedly burning cables stolen from a telecommunications tower at SK Nanga Abun along Jalan Bajau.

Saratok Police Chief, DSP Mathew Manggie said preliminary investigations found that the duo, aged 43 and 46, had entered the tower compound through its unlocked main gate on October 11 before cutting and stealing several cables.

“The stolen items comprised three direct current (DC) power cables for remote radio units (RRU), measuring about 20 metres in length, and three CPRI fibre-optic cables, with the total loss estimated at RM1,950.

Handout photos show the suspects detained by Saratok police for allegedly stealing cables from a telecommunications tower on Monday, Oct. 12, 2026.

“They allegedly carried the cables away in two sacks brought from home before returning to the plantation the following day to burn the wires and extract the copper.

“However, both of them were arrested before they could sell the stolen materials,” he said.

Also seized from them were two sacks containing pieces of aluminium and copper.

Background checks found that the 43-year-old had seven prior records, while the 46-year-old had 11.

Mathew said the case is being investigated under Section 431A of the Penal Code and Section 235 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.

Handout photo shows the sacks containing pieces of aluminium and copper seized from the suspects.