Transport Minister Calls for Action Against Rail Cable Theft
PUTRAJAYA, June 23 — In response to alarming incidents of cable theft along railway tracks, Malaysia’s Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook has urged law enforcement to adopt more rigorous measures. The request comes after concerns from Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL) regarding a series of thefts impacting the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project, which stretches across several states, including Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, and Selangor.
Growing Threat to National Security
During a press conference held at his ministry’s headquarters, Loke stressed that the issue of cable theft transcends ordinary crime, equating it to a significant threat to national security. “This is not just a theft; it disrupts public safety and order,” he stated. He has communicated with the Home Minister, seeking enhanced police intervention to address the escalating situation.
“Stricter actions are necessary under more stringent laws,” Loke emphasized, underscoring the potential repercussions such thefts have on the public transport system. The minister’s comments come amidst reports of delays faced by Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) due to similar incidents, which he vowed to address.
Impact on the ECRL Project
The chief executive officer of MRL, Datuk Seri Darwis Abdul Razak, has voiced concerns over how these thefts could jeopardize the planning and operational timeline of the ECRL. The project, currently in a critical phase aimed for completion by December 2026, faces increased costs for repairs and a potential delay in the testing and commissioning schedule.
“If CCCC fails to deliver on time, the conglomerate stands to lose RM1.25 million per day,” Darwis remarked, highlighting the financial stakes involved in the project’s successful execution. The timeline for train testing is expected to commence in June 2026, making timely completion crucial for all stakeholders.
Next Steps
Moving forward, MRL plans to implement mitigation measures to bolster security at the affected sites. As Loke has ramped up calls for police action, the government appears committed to addressing this pressing issue that threatens not only infrastructure investment but also public safety.
As the situation develops, further updates will be provided regarding police interventions and security enhancements along the rail network.
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