KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 1,492 cases of telecommunications asset theft and vandalism were recorded last year.
Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching said that these incidents had incurred losses amounting to RM33.66 million.
"Vandalism and theft of telecommunication assets are significant challenges because they lead to service disruptions and financial losses for repairs.
"Thus, we need the cooperation from all parties to reduce vandalism. In hotspot areas, service providers have initiated hardening measures to make theft and vandalism more difficult.
"Additionally, the installation of closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras and sensors has been started in these areas," she added, responding to an additional question from Senator Dr RA Lingeshwaran in Dewan Negara today.
Dr Lingeshwaran inquired about the number of cases and the financial losses resulting from the theft and vandalism of telecommunications assets.
Teo further emphasised the importance of cooperation from local authorities and the police to speed up investigations as a deterrent to discourage vandalism.
Meanwhile, in response to the initial question also from Dr Lingeshwaran, Teo said 186 new National Information Dissemination Centre (Nadi) would be established nationwide this year.
"Recognising the importance of Nadi to the local community, the government has announced that 186 new Nadi to be established nationwide, based on '1 Dun 1 Nadi' initiative.
"This includes 38 new Nadi to be built in Penang," she said.
Dr Lingeshwaran asked why Penang only has three Nadi, which was previously known as Digital Economy Centre (PEDi).
Presently, there are 911 Nadi throughout the country.