THE Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has confirmed that all 14 telecommunications towers affected by a vandalism and theft incident in Bukit Pilah, Negeri Sembilan, have been restored and are now fully operational following disruptions that affected mobile connectivity in Kuala Pilah.
The regulator said it received a report on Saturday, 11 April from CelcomDigi Berhad regarding service interruptions involving 2G and 4G networks in the area.
Initial investigations found that the disruption stemmed from vandalism and theft targeting a CelcomDigi-owned communications tower at Bukit Pilah.
The incident caused wider network instability, affecting 13 additional communication towers and disrupting services for approximately 1,668 users across multiple telecommunications providers in the Kuala Pilah area of Negeri Sembilan Negeri Sembilan.
Following the report, MCMC conducted a site inspection together with CelcomDigi engineers and confirmed that critical communications equipment, including Radio Transport System (RTS) and Baseband Unit (BBU) components, had been stolen.
The removal of the equipment triggered cascading service disruptions across nearby infrastructure.
Restoration works were subsequently carried out by CelcomDigi, with the affected towers reactivated in phases.
All 14 towers have since been fully restored and are now providing normal service to users.
The commission has urged members of the public to report any suspicious activity around telecommunications infrastructure to the Royal Malaysia Police Royal Malaysia Police or the relevant authorities, stressing the importance of community vigilance in protecting critical national infrastructure.
MCMC reiterated that it will not tolerate acts of vandalism or interference with telecommunications facilities.
It warned that such offences fall under Section 235 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, which carries a maximum penalty of a fine of up to RM500,000, imprisonment for up to five years, or both upon conviction. - April 14, 2026
