Cable theft is disrupting Rapid KL rail operations, directly affecting millions of commuters in the Klang Valley. This is in addition to losses of RM20.6 million in the past three years, Prasarana says. Delays aside, there’s also the safety risk issue.
In a statement issued yesterday, the public transport operator said that cases of cable theft are increasing. In 2024, 41 cases of cable theft were recorded, but there have been 69 cases this year, which is a 68% increase. This trend is spurred by demand and the market price of the cables, specifically the copper inside, which makes it lucrative to syndicates.
Prasarana group chief health, safety, security, environment and sustainable development officer Idzqandar Abu Bakar said that cable theft doesn’t just impact the company’s balance sheet, but it involves operational safety and affects millions of commuters who rely on rail services daily.
“Every theft incident causes disruption to train operations. Repair and replacement of cables must be carried out immediately to restore critical systems, and in this situation, passengers are the most affected,” he said, adding that every incident also impacts other rail operators and telecommunications companies. It’s also affecting the the East Coast Rail Link’s completion timeline.
Idzqandar said that this is a repetitive and organised crime that brings widespread implications to critical national infrastructure. On its part, Prasarana has deployed security personnel, joint patrols with the PDRM, installed CCTVs and even tested the use of sniffer dogs on the two MRT lines.
“Prasarana is also working with MRT Corp to strengthen physical security at certain locations. However, with a rail line spanning over 200 km, this effort is difficult to implement alone without the support of a more comprehensive enforcement and regulatory ecosystem,” Idzqandar said, urging all stakeholders including enforcement agencies, lawmakers, industry players and the public to collectively address the issue.
The statement said that despite all the measures taken, theft is still happening and there are even repeated cases involving the same individual. The company says that as long as the crime syndicates can sell on the cables openly and lucratively, this scourge will continue. It is urging tighter enforcement on the chain of cable sales and heavier punishment for repeat offenders.
What can the public do to help? Immediately report any suspicious activities around the rail lines to the police. Here’s hoping that the cops can take down not just the thieves, but the buyers of their loot – cut off the root cause to solve the problem.
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HOW much kena Curi? 2 inch or 20KM cable stolen?
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despite all the measures taken, theft is still happening and there are even repeated cases involving the same individual.
– Hmm something fishy is it done internally by ones who cannot be let off?
Wondering which Recycling depot warehouse collaboration with this copper cable theft syndicate?
These heartless, selfish criminals must be dealt/punished with much more severity than what they’ve received. For they’ve continued with their criminal activities, & disregarded the safety & wellbeing of society, they must be punished with much more severity & jailed for a long jail time
Damn those stupid Malaysian. Buat bodoh negara sendiri. Apa guna jadi pencuri Malam. Bukan tak Ada peluang kerja…
china build the trains for us, constructed the 1000km ECRL rail line for us. last2 billion dollar project derailed by some small-time thieves stealing few k worth of scrap metal.
If the loss is so high why can’t Prasarana install CCTV and barbed wire!!…
Anyway, I noticed the LRT trains are having advertisements that sell products like Samsung… they announce the name of the station followed by Samsung.I am sure Samsung is paying millions for these advertiseents!!… So why cant there be better security for the cable
Easy. Appoint 1 company as a subsidiary to ECRL, recruit as many locals from the specific designated area to work as security along the track, 1 every 1km. To ensure efficiency, make employ Nepalese with at least 5 years experience as security guard to be the supervisor.
And as to be more effective, install CCTV with night vision every 500 metres.
This project could be as good as scrap even before it starts service.
to upload local marwah, it should be locals supervise nepalese
Our legislation needs to be amended to impose stricter penalties. Recently, four accomplices were caught red-handed stealing power cables, yet they were let off with a mere RM1,500 fine each—no jail time. You could likely face a higher fine just for stopping past the line at a traffic light. This current penalty is barely a slap on the wrist and offers absolutely no deterrent, which explains why we see so many repeat offenders. We need to get serious: impose whipping and long jail terms to stop this.