By Aida Aziz
Photo: Reader
IPOH: Reports by Ipoh Echo/Peraktastic regarding the issue of cable theft and uncovered manholes left wide open have garnered significant responses from the public on social media.
Most commenters agree that this longstanding issue has persisted for too long, with some even claiming similar incidents are happening in their own neighborhoods.
Many are urging the relevant authorities, including those responsible for the maintenance of these manholes, to be more alert and responsive to public complaints.
This includes promptly covering manholes that have been left open by irresponsible individuals or groups stealing cables.
“When there are buyers, there will be thieves. Usually scrap metal businesses are involved. Police officers should go undercover in these business areas.
You can track who’s selling cables — no need to make noise, just take drastic, even brutal action against the cable thieves. Identify the root cause and solve it. Prevent it before it gets worse. Be thorough and observant. Bravo,” said one netizen.
“Almost every dawn. Morning joggers just bump into them, yet the culprits continue like it’s nothing.
License plates are covered with duct tape. There’s even a lookout vehicle. The roads will be poorly patched and left in terrible condition,” commented a reader.
“Hopefully Telekom will close back all the manholes that are left open. Patrol and close them. No need to wait for complaints. Thank you,” said another netizen.
“Just yesterday near Klebang Restu, I nearly punctured my tyre — couldn’t see at night that the cover was missing. Really dangerous,” another person shared.
“Why don’t the telecommunications companies deploy their own personnel to patrol or monitor the affected areas?” one netizen questioned.
“It’s easy to catch these thieves — if you see suspicious activity on the roads like someone opening manholes day or night, just contact the police.
They can verify if the work is legitimate maintenance or not. The public can help in cases like this,” another netizen explained.
“The thieves usually open the covers two days or a week in advance — the purpose is to let oxygen into the manhole,” one netizen claimed.
Readers also submitted photos of gaping manholes, highlighting how dangerous they are for road users passing through these areas.
Among the affected areas are the teachers’ quarters at Tasek Damai, as well as in Menglembu and Ampang.
