Cables that are illegally installed in or near drains are hazards as they block the flow of water. — filepic
JOHOR BARU: The Johor Baru mayor has chided unscrupulous contractors employed by telecommunications companies (telcos) for installing underground cables without getting the local council’s approval first.
Mayor A. Rahim Nin said it was against the law to conduct such works without an approved permit under Section 40 of the Street, Drainage and Building Act (Act 133).
He spoke out against the irresponsible contractors during the November full board meeting of the Johor Baru City Council (MBJB).
“It is not a small offence as their irresponsible actions could endanger the lives of residents such as causing flash floods and accidents.
“Of late, we noticed flash floods in the Kampung Bakar Batu area caused by cables that were installed near drains and in cement tubes by the road, which had obstructed water flow,” he said, adding similar illegal cabling works were also found in Jalan Mahmoodiah, Jalan Beringin and other areas.
He said on Nov 26, the council decided to conduct operations to cut the cables in those areas after notices sent to the telcos concerned to relocate them did not yield any results.
He said MBJB would continue conducting such operations from time to time without issuing a reminder beforehand.
Starting Sept 1, MBJB enforced a regulation where open cut cable installations are no longer allowed unless there is an emergency and telcos and Tenaga Nasional Bhd had been informed about the new rule.
“Under the new ruling, they can only use the horizontal directional drilling (HDD) or microtrenching methods when carrying out cable installation works in MBJB areas,” said A. Rahim.
He reminded all quarters to seek MBJB’s approval to prevent action being taken against them.
Separately, he said it was an offence under Section 70 of Act 133 to operate a budget hotel or homestay without a licence from the council.
If found guilty, he said individuals could be fined up to RM50,000 or jailed up to three years or both, and could be fined up to RM1,000 per day if the person continues the offence after conviction.
A Rahim said licences would not be issued for budget hotels or homestays that made renovations without the council’s approval.
“It is important to get the council’s approval before renovating to ensure the safety of the public,” he said.
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