Govt looking at tougher penalties to tackle cable theft across public transport sector

Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the proposed amendments would not be limited to ECRL, as cable theft was a problem affecting operators across the sector. — Picture by Sayuti Zainudin

By Soo Wern Jun

First Published: Tuesday, 20 Oct 2026 1:37 PM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 20 — The Transport Ministry is in the midst of drafting necessary measures that look into increasing penalties for action against cable theft affecting public transport operators, including the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL).

Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the proposed amendments would not be limited to ECRL, as cable theft was a problem affecting operators across the sector.

“Proposals to increase penalties for cable theft must go through parliamentary process. 

“We are currently drafting the necessary measures,” Loke told a press conference at the Transport Exhibition (TXA) here today.

He however said operators must also strengthen preventive measures, warning that tougher penalties alone would not resolve the problem if effective prevention was not in place.

“Whatever penalties are imposed, if preventive measures are not implemented effectively, they will not solve the problem,” he said.

The minister said Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL) and other operators were exploring additional ways to prevent cable theft, including the use of closed-circuit television (CCTV) surveillance and other technologies.

He added cable theft was not unique to Malaysia, but also affected transport operators in other parts of the world.

“I encourage companies and start-ups to develop innovative solutions to address the problem, including through research and development.

“This is how exhibitions such as TXA could provide a platform for companies to present solutions to operational challenges faced by transport operators,” he said. 

Yesterday, the police busted four gangs suspected of cable theft belonging to ECRL and Telekom Malaysia (TM).