SANDAKAN: For years, residents here have navigated perilously dark roads as rampant cable theft and vandalism leave hundreds of streetlights inoperative across the district.
Sandakan Municipal Council (MPS) President Walter Konson revealed that while the council is frequently blamed for inaction, the root cause lies in persistent sabotage—particularly along six major roads now identified as theft hotspots namely – Jalan Lintas Sibuga, Jalan Mangkalinau, Jalan Sungai Batang, Jalan Buli Sim Sim, Jalan Lintas Utara and Jalan Batu Sapi.
“These aren’t isolated incidents. Repairs are futile—panels are pried open, underground copper cables stripped, and entire sections, sometimes 20 or more lights, plunge back into darkness within days,” Walter said.
The vandalism, concentrated near squatter settlements, has drained council resources and tarnished the town’s image.
“Residents question why lights remain non-functional. We replace them, but thieves strike again. It’s a costly, frustrating cycle,” he added.
Some elected representatives have intervened by using constituency funds to install solar-powered lights as stopgap safety measures.
Meanwhile, MPS is phasing in solar streetlights and restructuring its engineering unit to assign dedicated officers for infrastructure monitoring.
Walter called for community vigilance, urging reports of suspicious activity to contact – MPS Hotline: 019-889 6442, Sandakan Police Hotline: 089-212 222.
Meanwhile, the Sandakan Municipal Council (MPS) will conduct a briefing on the “Town Centre Building Painting Programme for 2025” on June 28 (Saturday).
The briefing session will be held from 8.30am to 12.30pm at the Sandakan Community Centre.
The briefing aims to explain programme details to building owners and stakeholders, including proposed incentive schemes to encourage participation.
All building owners within Sandakan town centre are urged to attend. The session will also welcome feedback and suggestions from participants.
This initiative forms part of the council’s ongoing efforts to enhance Sandakan’s urban aesthetics. – James Leong
the town’s image.
