Transport infrastructure under siege: Cable thieves putting commuters at risk

KUALA LUMPUR: Cable thieves continue to target transport infrastructure, with recent incidents involving the Kajang MRT Line and the New Klang Valley Expressway (NKVE) highlighting security concerns.

In the latest incident, thieves cut about 100m of cable between Phileo Damansara and Pusat Bandar Damansara stations early yesterday.

They abandoned it when auxiliary police and Prasarana personnel approached.

The thieves are believed to have rolled up the cables and left them aside for later collection.

Separately, PLUS Malaysia Bhd said its personnel and police had foiled a suspected cable theft attempt along the NKVE, leading to a suspect's arrest.

Photographs by PLUS showed what appeared to be cutting equipment, including a cordless power tool, a hacksaw, a hand saw and a toolbox, beside a concrete roadside barrier.

Another photograph showed damaged cables along a highway embankment, with sections exposed and out of place.

The incidents highlight the threat of cable theft to both railway and highway infrastructure.

MRT SERVICES DISRUPTED

The attempted theft on the Kajang MRT Line was detected about 5.30am after someone entered the track area between Phileo Damansara and Pusat Bandar Damansara stations.

Rapid KL said power to the affected section was temporarily cut in line with safety procedures.

The power cut allowed auxiliary police to inspect the area and search for suspects while protecting passengers, staff and railway facilities.

Power was restored at 6.32am after the checks were completed.

Rapid KL provided alternative services during the disruption so passengers could continue their journeys.

The company said cable theft could disrupt train services and endanger passengers and staff.

A police report was lodged at Brickfields police headquarters.

PLUS FOILS CABLE THEFT

PLUS said its personnel and police had arrested a suspect in an alleged cable theft attempt along the NKVE. The suspect was handed over to police at Sentul police headquarters

PLUS did not disclose when the operation took place or how much cable was involved.

Its photographs showed the scene and equipment suspected of being used in the theft.

PLUS said the theft or damage of highway facilities, including cables, safety barriers and road signs, could pose serious risks.

Such theft and damage could endanger motorists and affect highway safety systems.

The incidents have renewed concerns about cable theft syndicates targeting railway infrastructure using sophisticated methods.

Prasarana previously told the New Straits Times that cable thieves were exploiting hidden spaces in the concrete structures supporting elevated MRT tracks.

They have used openings in viaducts, nearby billboards and concealed spaces beneath elevated tracks to access the cables.

Prasarana had identified the area around Phileo Damansara as vulnerable because of its terrain and several entry points.

Prasarana has increased auxiliary police patrols and introduced canine units, better surveillance and additional physical barriers.

Prasarana previously said cable theft had cost it RM20.6 million over three years.

Cases rose from 42 in 2024 to 72 last year.

The operator said that 43 per cent of the 72 cable theft cases recorded last year involved access through concrete piers and viaduct structures.

Other access methods included breaches in perimeter fencing, hillside approaches and billboards.

The Kajang MRT Line is about 48km long and has 1,394 piers. The Putrajaya MRT Line is 68km long, with 1,265 piers.