Kuala lumpur: The government will review existing laws to impose harsher penalties for cable theft, particularly for crimes affecting strategic projects such as the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL). The consensus was reached during a recent meeting between Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, Transport Minister Anthony Loke, and key railway operators, including KTMB and ECRL.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Saifuddin Nasution emphasized the urgent need to amend the relevant laws to act as a deterrent against such thefts. He made these remarks during a press conference following an engagement session with Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) personnel. Also present were Home Ministry secretary-general Datuk Dr Awang Alik Jeman and AKPS director-general Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain.

The Home Minister urged all rail operators to increase investment in security technology, citing examples from countries like China and Germany, where rail operators invest significantly in security tech. He stressed that such an approach should be jointly adopted by enforcement agencies and operators in Malaysia.

Saifuddin Nasution noted that signal and power supply cables are the primary targets due to their high resale value when sold to scrap metal dealers. He reported that the highest number of thefts has occurred in Pahang, where ECRL installation is most active, and anticipates that incidents may shift to Terengganu and Kelantan as construction progresses.

Currently, cable theft carries only a RM1,000 fine, a penalty described as inadequate given the financial losses experienced by rail operators and the government. Transport Minister Anthony Loke has urged the Royal Malaysia Police to take strong action against cable theft at ECRL sites, noting that such crimes disrupt the project's timeline and delivery.