CASES of vandalism involving utility and telecommunications infrastructure have decreased by 64 per cent, with 894 cases recorded up to September this year compared to 2,458 cases in 2024.

Utility and Telecommunication Minister Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi said total losses have also dropped by 36 per cent from RM7.34 million in 2024 to RM4.73 million this year.

“Through the Anti-Vandalism Committee that was established, my ministry, together with various departments and agencies of the Sarawak and federal governments, has carried out multiple initiatives to combat vandalism of utility and telecommunications infrastructure.

“These include conducting regular integrated operations called ‘Ops Lusuh’ at scrap premises together with the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), enforcement agencies, and utility and telecommunications authorities throughout Sarawak,” he said in his ministerial winding-up speech.

Julaihi said other initiatives include strengthening cooperation and community engagement through anti-vandalism awareness programmes, and encouraging the public to report any suspicious activities at utility and telecommunications facilities.

He said another initiative was to take legal action against anyone found committing vandalism against these infrastructure.

Separately, Julaihi said all 600 Sarawak Multimedia Authority Rural Telecommunication (SMART) towers under the Sarawak Linking Urban, Rural and Nation (Saluran) initiative implemented by the Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC) is now operational with MySRBN internet services.

He said 510 of these towers also provide 4G services, and all towers are expected to be fully operational with 4G services by the end of this month.

“This achievement marks a major success in the Sarawak government’s efforts to support the federal government in enhancing connectivity in rural areas. This is a historic moment that signifies the near completion of a long journey, full of challenges and hope.

“This is not just the completion of a project; it is a promise that we have finally fulfilled.”

He said the SMART project is a key component of the Saluran initiative, with an allocation of RM2.3 billion from the Sarawak government to accelerate the expansion of internet coverage in rural areas.

This project involves the construction of 618 new telecommunications towers, including 18 repeater towers, he added.

On the National Digital Network (Jendela) initiative under the federal government through the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), Julaihi said all 636 Jendela Phase 1 towers in Sarawak have been completed and are operational with 4G services.

“In addition, MCMC will continue its efforts to expand internet coverage through the implementation of Jendela Phase 2, particularly in rural areas, expected to begin in the first quarter of 2026,” he said.

For internet service coverage, he said based on settlement areas, coverage has reached 94.5 per cent compared with 90.2 per cent as reported at the previous august House session.

“For 5G networks, all 576 sites under the First 5G Network (Digital Nasional Berhad) are operational, with 5G coverage in populated areas reaching 63.8 per cent.

“Meanwhile, the Second 5G Network (U-Mobile) was implemented starting in June 2025. To date, 233 out of 384 Second 5G Network sites have been completed, with 48 of them already operational,” he said.