Over 1,300 hours Of Train Delays This Year Due To Cable Theft - Loke

Cable theft along KTMB’s rail network has caused massive disruptions this year, with more than 1,300 hours lost, Transport Minister Anthony Loke revealed.

The thefts have repeatedly hit critical signalling systems, affecting train movements and leaving thousands of commuters stranded.

KTM Komuter services were the hardest hit, logging 741 hours of delays, while the Electric Train Service (ETS) saw 562 hours of disruption. Intercity services, however, remained unaffected.

“Among the immediate actions are conducting special operations and 24-hour patrols by KTM auxiliary police personnel in hotspot areas, especially in the Klang Valley area, as well as having intelligence and surveillance in high-risk locations,” Loke said.

Between Jan and Aug, 104 incidents were reported nationwide. Perak and Selangor topped the list with 38 and 37 cases, followed by Kedah, Negeri Sembilan, Penang, Kuala Lumpur, and Pahang.

No incidents were reported in Perlis, Melaka, Johor, or Kelantan. Last year saw 150 cases.

KTMB has taken several steps to curb the problem, including installing 193 cemented cable manhole covers in the northern sector, repairing damaged fences, and reviewing plans to deploy CCTV cameras and drones at vulnerable spots.

Joint patrols with the Royal Malaysia Police have been strengthened, and intelligence-sharing with enforcement agencies is ongoing.

“APAD and PDRM are enforcing existing laws against cable thieves, while information-sharing with PDRM and AADK has been intensified,” the minister added.

KTMB’s chief operating officer, Zain Mat Taha, warned that cable theft is more than a nuisance.

“It amounts to sabotage of railway infrastructure and could threaten the safety of hundreds of passengers while also crippling public transportation,” he said.

Looking ahead, KTMB plans to upgrade its signalling network at an estimated cost of RM12.8 million annually over the next three years, targeting high-risk areas to prevent future disruptions.