Vandalism costs DBKU RM332,000 in losses since 2020 — Deputy Minister

KUCHING: Vandalism of public property and facilities in Kuching North City Hall (DBKU)’s areas has reached a worrisome level, says Deputy Minister of Utility and Telecommunication II, Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi.

Junaidi, who is in-charge of DBKU, said since 2020, the losses from vandalism had amounted to RM332,000.

The vandalism, he said, included damage to manhole covers, road signs, river bridge railings and sidewalks, bus-stop seats and roofs, garden lights and street lights, burning of trees, benches in public parks and rubbish bins, and theft of flowers and decorations.

He lamented that the popular Hornbill Fountain at the Kuching Waterfront was also vandalised on May 12, where detergent powder was poured into its pool causing it to foam and damage the fountain’s equipment.

“This kind of destructive behavior is very worrying and affects the beauty of Kuching City.”

In this regard, he said a special meeting between DBKU, the police, Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) and Dayacop Security, a private security firm, was held to discuss the problem.

“We have reached an agreement to address vandalism in the hotspot locations by irresponsible parties,” he told a press conference at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Complex lobby here yesterday.

Dr Abdul Rahman also called upon the public to work together in putting a stop to such irresponsible acts.

He said the public must be aware that the losses would have to be covered using revenue from the collection of assessment tax of each household under DBKU which otherwise, could have been better utilised to provide various facilities and services for the common well-being of the people.

He called upon the cityfolks to be the ‘eyes and ears’ of the authorities in helping to address this issue, adding that they could report cases immediately to DBKU or the police.

Those found guilty of vandalism can be charged and punished under Section 426, Penal Code (Act 574). Whoever convicted of such offence shall be punished with imprisonment of up to five years, or fine, or both.