KUALA TERENGGANU, Aug 2 (Bernama) -- Syarikat Air Terengganu Sdn Bhd (SATU) has received 134 reports of water meter thefts involving Kuala Terengganu and Marang within two days, with the incidents believed to be part of a possible organised activity.
Its chief executive officer Abdul Karim Endut said most of the cases occurred in residential areas, including thefts involving newly installed water meters.
“The incidents started in July and happened suddenly and simultaneously, which suggests that they could be part of a planned activity.
“Some thefts involved newly installed meters, indicating that the perpetrators may know the value or use of the equipment, although the actual motive remains unknown,” he told reporters after the Malaysia Book of Records (MBR) certificate presentation ceremony for the achievement of the Largest Group Climb by Water Operators’ Employees in Malaysia here today.
Abdul Karim said SATU had lodged several police reports and would hold a special meeting with the police tomorrow to discuss measures to curb the activity.
While the loss of each stolen water meter was less than RM200, involving replacement and installation costs, the impact was greater as it disrupted water supply services and caused water wastage.
“Most thieves leave the pipes open after removing the meters at night, causing water to flow continuously until users notice the problem the following day,” he said.
He advised users or account holders affected by water meter theft to immediately report the matter to SATU, as well as their respective residential committees or the police.
Abdul Karim said SATU would promptly reinstall new meters for affected users to ensure their water supply was restored.
Earlier, he said 35 SATU employees successfully completed a mission to climb Mount Kinabalu on July 22 and 23, earning recognition from MBR for the Largest Group Climb by Water Operators’ Employees in Malaysia.
At today’s ceremony, Abdul Karim, representing SATU, received the certificate from MBR representative Edwin Yeoh.
-- BERNAMA