One suspect arrested over Ampang cable theft as Malaysia police deny collusion claims
A man has been arrested over a suspected cable theft in Ampang, Malaysia, after CCTV footage of the incident went viral and prompted online speculation about possible police involvement. Police have denied any collusion.
MALAYSIA: Malaysian police have denied being involved in a cable theft after CCTV footage showing a patrol vehicle passing the scene went viral and prompted speculation about possible police collusion.
The incident occurred near Masjid Al-Ubudiah in Kampung Tasik Tambahan, Ampang, on Saturday (19 September), where a four-wheel-drive vehicle was allegedly seen pulling cables from a manhole.
Viral footage prompts speculation
CCTV footage from a nearby house showed a vehicle driving through the area with a long cable trailing behind it along the road.
Several minutes later, a police Mobile Patrol Vehicle (MPV) was seen passing through the area without stopping.
Another vehicle then arrived, with individuals getting out and appearing to cut the cable left on the road.
The footage was subsequently shared widely on social media platforms including Facebook, Threads and X, prompting speculation among users about why the police vehicle had not intervened.
Some social media users also questioned whether police had failed to act against cable thefts or were involved in facilitating such crimes.
Police deny collusion
Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation and Community Safety Department director Datuk Noor Hisam Nordin rejected claims that the MPV had escorted a vehicle believed to be carrying stolen cables.
Sinar Harian reported that Noor Hisam said the MPV had been dispatched after a public complaint was received by the Ampang Jaya district police headquarters operations room.
He said the patrol vehicle had also activated its beacon lights in accordance with standard operating procedures while carrying out its duties.
“The claim that the police vehicle was in collusion with them is untrue,” he said when contacted by Sinar Harian on Monday (21 September).
Noor Hisam said one suspect had been arrested in connection with the incident and would face further action.
Separate cable theft case investigated
The arrest came days after police investigated an attempted cable theft in Jalan Jelatek, Datuk Keramat, on 15 September, with losses estimated at RM15,000 (approximately US$3,679.62).
Police said both cases are being investigated under provisions of Malaysia’s Penal Code and Communications and Multimedia Act.
