Malaysia Tackles Railway Cable Theft with Technology and Stricter Laws

Malaysia's Ministry of Transport is actively seeking appropriate technological solutions and advocating for stricter legislation to address the persistent issue of railway cable theft affecting Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB).

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Cable theft cases are a major problem, especially in the northern areas, causing much damage and disrupting KTM Komuter and electric train (ETS) services.

Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook stated that the cable theft incidents are a significant national security concern, disrupting vital rail services and creating potential hazards for the public. He noted that these thefts have caused considerable damage, particularly in the northern regions, impacting the services of KTM Komuter and the Electric Train Service (ETS).

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This issue cannot be seen as a normal theft case because it hinders services. It is not only about cable theft, but it can also affect public safety.

The ministry is collaborating with the Ministry of Home Affairs to strengthen legal penalties for cable theft. Loke emphasized that these acts go beyond simple theft, as they impede essential services and compromise public safety. He acknowledged that despite previous measures, the thefts continue due to the high price of copper and the extensive length of the railway network, which spans 1,000 kilometers, making comprehensive monitoring challenging, especially in remote areas.

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This is because the price of copper is high and our tracks are also 1,000 kilometers long. So, monitoring every kilometer, every area is indeed difficult because there are areas that might be somewhat remote and facilitate access to our tracks.

Loke also pointed out that this is not an isolated problem, affecting rail systems in other countries as well. The ministry is studying international examples to find effective countermeasures. The ongoing challenge requires a concerted effort from the ministry, operators, and KTMB to implement robust monitoring systems and deterrent legal frameworks.

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This is a big challenge for the ministry, operators, and KTMB, and we are also looking at what methods and examples exist in other countries.