GERIK: Police have apprehended three local men suspected of stealing cables valued at RM3,000 belonging to Telekom Malaysia in an operation at Jalan Kuala Rui. The arrests were made following a thorough investigation, which revealed the suspects’ cunning strategy to disguise themselves as legitimate contractors to deceive authorities.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Gerik district police chief Superintendent Zulkifli Mahmood disclosed that the suspects, aged between 31 and 36, were detained at approximately 4:30 p.m. at the Bersia Police Station. The suspects were traveling in a white Nissan Vanette van, where officers discovered several items believed to be used in the theft, including equipment for cutting cables.

During the inspection, authorities confiscated three reels of cables, a spanner, an aluminum ladder, a safety helmet, a reflective jacket, and the van itself. Superintendent Zulkifli explained that the suspects employed a method of operation that involved using clothing and tools associated with a registered contractor company, enabling them to carry out cable installation and repair works under the guise of working with Telekom Malaysia.

The case is currently being investigated under section 379 of the Penal Code. Superintendent Zulkifli added that police are also examining whether the suspects have been involved in other similar theft incidents.