KUCHING: Dayak Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) has joined the call for immediate enforcement of the Second Hand Dealers Act in the state.
Its secretary-general Libat Langub said it was high time this law be enforced in view of rampant cable thefts as highlighted by the Kuching Chinese General Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCGCCI) to the press recently.
“Frankly speaking, our members are not feeling a severe pinch from the frequent blackouts since most of us are involved in a different sector of business from the Chinese and Malay communities.
“Nonetheless, in view of the huge losses suffered by utility companies, such as Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) and Telekom, we feel it is high time for the law to come into force. Of course there is no guarantee it can completely eradicate the occurrence of cable thefts, but to some extend it will help bring down the number of cases.”
On cable thefts, Libat suggested that the utility companies concerned set up special units to conduct regular spot checks on their cables.
“It may lead to additional operation cost, but as a preventive measure I think it is worth it to set up a special unit to look after the safety of the cables.”
He did not dismiss the possibility of some cables being stolen in broad day light by well-equipped thieves disguising as contractors.
“It cannot be ruled out that the thieves will come to the site with vans or pickup trucks ready with their tools such as steel ladders
to pull down the cables without any fear because they know very well that passers-by will assume they are genuine workers paid
by SEB or Telekom to do the job.
“Even if we are suspicious, what authority do we have to check on their legality? This is where the role of the special unit is necessary.”
Meanwhile, Deputy Home Minister Datuk Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar told The Borneo Post on Thursday that the police was still unable to enforce the law year as the state had yet to decide on the fee structure under the Act.
He said the State Secretary office was expected to hold a meeting next month to determine the fee structure, and only then that the police could enforce the legislation.