SERI ALAM: A 35-year-old drug addict was arrested for allegedly stealing electrical cables, in Taman Saujana in Masai, near here, yesterday.
District police chief Superintendent Mohd Sohaimi Ishak said the man with prior criminal records including drug-related offences, tested positive for morphine.
Police's investigations were initiated following several reported cases of electrical wire theft, which led to his arrest at 9am.
Police seized the suspect's motorcycle, clothing, shoes and a raincoat.
He was remanded for four days to facilitate investigations under Section 379 of the Penal Code, for theft.
Meanwhile, it was learnt that Taman Saujana residents and business-owners had frequently experienced electricity-disruptions.
A private-clinic doctor who preferred to remain anonymous, said the disruption caused inconveniences and financial losses.
"They don't care how their irresponsible actions impact residents and business-owners….some of the addicts will blatantly strip the wires in broad daylight, in front of passers-by," she said, when contacted.
"The remaining jutting wires is also a safety hazard," she added.
Drug addicts would cut the electrical wires and strip them for its copper before selling them to scrap metal junkyard operators, for money to feed their habits.