Kelantan faces telecoms disruption risk as cable theft surges

KOTA BHARU — Kelantan is facing a critical threat to its telecommunications network as incidents of cable vandalism and theft have escalated significantly, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) warned on Monday.

The regional MCMC official said the rising number of infrastructure attacks poses a serious risk of widespread service disruptions affecting residents and businesses throughout the state. Telecommunications operators have increasingly reported missing cables and damaged facilities, which are costly to repair and disrupt connectivity for thousands of users.

The root causes behind the surge remain unclear, though officials have suggested that economic factors and poor awareness of the impact on public services may be contributing to the problem. The MCMC has called for enhanced security measures at critical infrastructure sites and greater community cooperation to prevent further incidents.

Telecommunications companies operating in Kelantan have been urged to implement additional protective measures and coordinate with local authorities to deter thieves and vandals. The commission warned that without swift action, the state could experience extended blackouts affecting emergency services, businesses, and essential communication networks.