Cable Theft Paralyzes Rail Services, Prasarana Urges Action From Govt

Cable theft along rail lines has become a growing headache for Prasarana Malaysia Berhad, with the company warning that the problem can no longer be tackled by operators alone. 

Over the past three years, cable theft has cost Prasarana an estimated RM20.6 million, while incidents have surged sharply this year, directly affecting train services used by millions in the Klang Valley.

According to the rail operator, 69 cable theft cases have already been recorded so far this year, up from 41 cases in 2024, marking a 68% increase. The rise is largely driven by organised syndicates taking advantage of high copper prices, making stolen cables highly profitable on the scrap market.

While the financial losses are significant, Prasarana stressed that passengers bear the biggest impact. Each theft damages critical signalling systems, forcing immediate repairs and often resulting in train delays, service disruptions and safety concerns. 

“Every theft incident disrupts operations, and passengers are the ones who suffer,” said Prasarana group chief for health, safety, security, environment and sustainability, Idzqandar Abu Bakar.

To curb the problem, Prasarana has stepped up security across its 200km-plus rail network, deploying security personnel, conducting joint patrols with the police, installing high-tech CCTV systems and even testing the use of sniffer dogs on certain lines. 

It is also working with MRT Corp to strengthen physical security at vulnerable locations.

"However, these measures are still not enough given the scale of the network and the organised nature of the crime," he stated, calling for a coordinated national approach, including stricter regulation of the scrap metal industry and heavier penalties for offenders.

Prasarana also warned that cable theft does not only affect its rail operations, but poses risks to other rail operators and telecommunications infrastructure, making it a broader threat to the country’s critical systems.

“This is not something Prasarana can solve alone. The cooperation from enforcement agencies, lawmakers, industry players and the public is crucial to stop the problem from worsening," Izqandar concluded.

Source: Bernama.