Cable theft is disrupting Rapid KL rail operations, directly affecting millions of commuters in the Klang Valley. This is in addition to losses of RM20.6 million in the past three years, Prasarana says. Delays aside, there's also the safety risk issue.
In a statement issued yesterday, the public transport operator said that cases of cable theft are increasing. In 2024, 41 cases of cable theft were recorded, but there have been 69 cases this year, which is a 68% increase. This trend is spurred by demand and the market price of the cables, specifically the copper inside, which makes it lucrative to syndicates.
Prasarana group chief health, safety, security, environment and sustainable development officer Idzqandar Abu Bakar said that cable theft doesn't just impact the company's balance sheet, but it involves operational safety and affects millions of commuters who rely on rail services daily.
"Every theft incident causes disruption to train operations. Repair and replacement of cables must be carried out immediately to restore critical systems, and in this situation, passengers are the most affected," he said, adding that every incident also impacts other rail operators and telecommunications companies. It's also affecting the the East Coast Rail Link's completion timeline.
Idzqandar said that this is a repetitive and organised crime that brings widespread implications to critical national infrastructure. On its part, Prasarana has deployed security personnel, joint patrols with the PDRM, installed CCTVs and even tested the use of sniffer dogs on the two MRT lines.
"Prasarana is also working with MRT Corp to strengthen physical security at certain locations. However, with a rail line spanning over 200 km, this effort is difficult to implement alone without the support of a more comprehensive enforcement and regulatory ecosystem," Idzqandar said, urging all stakeholders including enforcement agencies, lawmakers, industry players and the public to collectively address the issue.
The statement said that despite all the measures taken, theft is still happening and there are even repeated cases involving the same individual. The company says that as long as the crime syndicates can sell on the cables openly and lucratively, this scourge will continue. It is urging tighter enforcement on the chain of cable sales and heavier punishment for repeat offenders.
What can the public do to help? Immediately report any suspicious activities around the rail lines to the police. Here's hoping that the cops can take down not just the thieves, but the buyers of their loot - cut off the root cause to solve the problem.