Police Bust 'Dika Bayu' Gang in Malaysia Cable Theft Operation

Strategic Insights -

Police in Malaysia have arrested seven men suspected of being part of the 'Dika Bayu' gang, which has been targeting telecommunication substation cables in several districts. The gang, comprising locals in their 20s, was busted after a series of arrests between July 10 and July 13. The suspects were found to have used Google Maps to survey the locations of the substations and used safety vests and helmets as disguises to avoid detection. All suspects have a history of theft and drug-related offenses and tested positive for amphetamine and methamphetamine in urine screenings.

Key Takeaways:

  • The 'Dika Bayu' gang has been involved in 22 cases of theft of telecommunications substation cables since last January, with losses estimated at RM145,000.
  • The gang's modus operandi involved renting boarding houses and using rented cars to carry out the thefts.
  • The suspects used Google Maps to survey the locations of the substations and employed disguises to avoid detection.
  • All suspects had a history of theft and drug-related offenses, with two of them testing positive for methamphetamine in urine screenings.
  • The arrested individuals are being remanded for further investigation until July 19 according to Section 379 of the Penal Code.
  • The suspects admitted to carrying out cable theft in several districts, including Pendang, Sik, Yan, Alor Setar, Sungai Petani, and Penaga.
  • The gang's activity was primarily driven by their need to feed their drug habits.

Statistics:

  • 22 cases of theft of telecommunications substation cables in this district since last January (Source: Supt Rodzi Hassan)
  • RM145,000 in losses estimated (Source: Supt Rodzi Hassan)
  • 7 men arrested and remanded for further investigation (Source: Supt Rodzi Hassan)
  • 48 hours between the first arrest and the final arrest on July 13
  • 4 suspects tested positive for amphetamine and methamphetamine in urine screenings (Source: Supt Rodzi Hassan)

Sources:

  • BERNAMA News Agency (17 Jul 2025)
  • Supt Rodzi Hassan, Pendang police chief