Kuala Lumpur: Cable theft involving the signalling and communication systems on three Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad’s (KTMB) northern routes today has caused disruption and train delays of more than 60 minutes for both the Northern Komuter and Electric Train Services (ETS).

According to BERNAMA News Agency, KTMB in a statement said among the affected locations were the Tapah Road – Sungkai (KM250.5) route with approximately 200 metres of cable stolen, Kamunting – Bukit Merah – Bagan Serai (KM87.25) with 110 metres stolen, and Simpang Ampat – Bukit Mertajam (KM15.5) with 40 metres affected.

The incident disrupted train operations, causing significant delays of between 80 and 115 minutes involving the following services; EP9172 (KL Sentral – Butterworth), EG9321 (Butterworth – Segamat), EX9107 (Butterworth – KL Sentral), EX9207 (Padang Besar – KL Sentral), and EG9420 (Segamat – Padang Besar).

In addition, the Northern KTM Komuter service on the Ipoh – Butterworth – Ipoh route was also affected, with average delays of 30 minutes. KTMB said early notifications of the disruptions were sent to passengers via SMS and KTMB’s official social media platforms.

KTMB chief operating officer Mohd Zain Mat Taha in the same statement said 45 cases of cable theft have been recorded in the northern sector from January to May this year. He described this type of theft as sabotage of railway infrastructure, posing safety risks to passengers and affecting public transportation.

As a mitigation measure, KTMB announced a plan to upgrade its signalling network, involving an estimated cost of RM12.8 million annually over the next three years, with a focus on hotspot areas. Planned improvements include installing manhole covers with special locking mechanisms, enhancing surveillance with CCTV cameras and drones, and installing anti-climb security fencing.

Monitoring and patrols by KTMB Auxiliary Police, in cooperation with the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), will be intensified in hotspot areas to curb theft. KTMB urged public cooperation to report any suspicious activity to authorities.

Mohd Zain Mat Taha apologized for any inconvenience experienced by passengers and reaffirmed KTMB’s commitment to ensuring train service safety and reliability. Since 2024, total losses from cable theft in the northern sector have reached RM1.44 million, comprising RM1.28 million in 2024 and RM162,000 as of March 2025.