Kuala lumpur: All rail operators have been urged to increase investment in safety technology, including the installation of CCTVs and smart monitoring systems, to curb cable theft.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Deputy Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Mohamad emphasized the importance of this move to safeguard strategic rail assets, such as the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) and Mass Rapid Transit (MRT). He highlighted how countries like China and Germany have successfully tackled cable theft through substantial investments in safety technology, suggesting that similar strategies should be adopted by enforcement agencies and operators locally.

During a Special Chamber session in the Dewan Rakyat, Abdul Rahman responded to a question from Tan Kar Hing (PH-Gopeng) regarding the ministry's efforts and long-term plans to address cable theft. He further elaborated on the issue of cable theft at remote Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) substations, indicating that the Energy Commission and TNB are working in collaboration with the Home Ministry, the Transport Ministry, and the police to monitor and patrol these sites, ensuring the power supply remains secure and operational.

Abdul Rahman called for public cooperation in preventing such incidents, urging individuals to report any unusual activity, potential power disruptions, trespassing, or cable theft. Additionally, he supported the government's move to impose stricter penalties on cable thieves, stating that the current RM1,000 fine is inadequate when compared to the losses sustained by rail operators and the government.