Reclassify cable theft through targeted legal and enforcement reforms

LETTERS: The NST special report on increasingly sophisticated and dangerous copper and cable theft is deeply concerning, not only from an operational standpoint but, more importantly, from a public safety perspective.

Any interference with rail signalling, power supply, or control systems introduces risks that extend far beyond inconvenience — they place passengers, frontline workers, and the wider public in harm's way.

It is, therefore, appropriate to raise public awareness which is not a sign of weakness

Transparency helps Malaysians understand that every service disruption, repair, and delay ultimately draws on public funds and affects national productivity.

Cable theft in the rail sector should no longer be viewed as a simple property crime.

The removal of copper and signalling components — often requiring technical knowledge — constitutes tampering with safety‑critical systems.

In many jurisdictions, such acts are treated as offences against public safety and national infrastructure, with penalties reflecting the gravity of the risk created.

Focusing enforcement efforts solely on the individuals caught cutting or stealing cables, many of whom are repeat offenders, risks missing the broader problem.

Experience across multiple sectors — including power, rail, and telecommunications — shows that arresting foot soldiers alone rarely delivers lasting deterrence.

Without addressing the wider mechanics that allow stolen materials to be absorbed quickly into legitimate-looking channels, incidents tend to recur.

This is why Malaysia should consider targeted amendments to existing laws to strengthen deterrence and improve outcomes.

Among the measures worth examining are:

* Reclassifying cable theft involving rail, power, or communications systems as a public safety offence, with penalties reflecting the potential risk to life.

* Enhancing powers to act against those who knowingly deal in or facilitate the disposal of stolen infrastructure materials, rather than limiting enforcement to the act of theft alone.

* Introducing stronger licensing, audit, and compliance requirements for sectors that handle high-risk recyclable materials linked to critical infrastructure.

Such measures would align enforcement with the reality that this is a systemic crime affecting national development, not an isolated nuisance.

Malaysia should also remain open to proven technologies and practices used internationally to protect infrastructure assets.

In several countries, asset-identification and traceability solutions have helped authorities link recovered materials back to their rightful owners, even after attempts have been made to destroy identifying features.

Industry and regulators should be encouraged to study these approaches carefully and adapt what is appropriate for local conditions, rather than assuming that traditional methods alone will suffice against increasingly sophisticated criminal activity.

Transport Minister has indicated that discussions have been held with enforcement agencies and that efforts will be stepped up.

This commitment is important and should translate into visible, sustained action across agencies. Cable theft affects multiple sectors simultaneously, and a fragmented response only benefits those who exploit gaps between jurisdictions.

At the same time, it is crucial that operators like Prasarana are supported, not criticised, for taking proactive steps to protect passengers and assets.

Ensuring safe and reliable public transport is a shared responsibility involving operators, regulators, enforcement agencies, industry, and the public.

Malaysia's progress depends on the integrity and resilience of its critical infrastructure. Addressing cable theft decisively is not merely about preventing losses — it is about protecting lives, safeguarding public confidence, and upholding good governance.

The sooner we treat it as such, the better served the nation will be.