GEORGE TOWN, December 18 – Penang police have arrested eight men, including two Telekom Malaysia (TM) employees, over the theft of telecommunication cables worth an estimated RM100,000. The suspects, aged between 31 and 42, were caught in the act early this morning in Tanjung Bungah while allegedly cutting and loading 242 rods of TM cables onto lorries.
Police also seized vehicles, including two lorries and a van bearing TM logos, as well as tools used in the theft. George Town OCPD ACP Abdul Rozak Muhammad stated that the group posed as legitimate TM workers and presented a forged work order, which TM later confirmed to be unauthorised. Four of the suspects have prior drug-related records, and police suspect the theft may be part of a larger syndicate.
The case is being investigated under Section 379 of the Penal Code, which carries a potential seven-year prison term and fines upon conviction. TM has issued a statement expressing its zero-tolerance stance on misconduct and its full cooperation with the ongoing investigation, emphasizing its commitment to upholding integrity and safeguarding Malaysia’s digital infrastructure.
