Train cable theft threatens thousands of passengers
Translated from Malay, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Cable theft on the Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) train lines endangers thousands of passengers daily.
- In the past year, 104 cable theft incidents occurred nationwide, causing over 1,300 cumulative hours of delays across the KTMB network.
- The thefts result in significant financial losses and disruptions to public transportation services.
The safety of thousands of daily commuters is being compromised by the persistent theft of cables along Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) train lines. These acts of vandalism pose a significant threat to passengers relying on the rail service for their daily commute and other travel needs.
According to Professor Dr. Muhammad Zaly Shah Muhammad Hussein, President of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport Malaysia (CILTM), the problem has escalated significantly. Last year alone, 104 cases of cable theft were reported across the country. These incidents collectively led to more than 1,300 hours of cumulative delays throughout the entire KTMB network.
The ongoing cable thefts not only disrupt train schedules, causing inconvenience and lost time for passengers, but also result in substantial financial losses for KTMB. The frequency and impact of these crimes highlight a critical security issue that requires urgent attention to ensure the reliability and safety of Malaysia's rail infrastructure.
Last year, 104 cases of cable theft occurred nationwide, causing over 1,300 cumulative hours of delays across the entire KTMB network.
Originally published by Utusan Malaysia in Malay. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.