Cable theft caused over 1,300 hours of delay to KTM ETS and Komuter train services this year – Loke

Cable theft is a serious issue that’s affecting the safety and reliability of our train services. It’s threatening to delay the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project, and now we know that cable theft caused over 1,300 hours of delay across the KTM network so far this year!

That’s a combination of 562 hours of delays to the ETS and 741 hours for the KTM Komuter. Transport minister Anthony Loke said the thefts disrupted KTM’s signalling system — which controls train movements — resulting in operational delays and significant time loss for passengers.

From January to August, 104 cases of cable theft were reported across Kedah, Penang, Perak, Selangor, Negri Sembilan, Pahang and Kuala Lumpur, with no cases recorded in Perlis, Melaka, Johor or Kelantan. Last year, a total of 150 cases were reported, Loke revealed in a written parliamentary reply in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday, reported by NST.

Cable theft caused over 1,300 hours of delay to KTM ETS and Komuter train services this year – Loke

The Seremban MP said that KTM is working with the transport ministry and enforcement agencies such as the police, the National Anti-Drugs Agency (NADA) and the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD).

“These measures include special operations and 24-hour patrols by KTMB Auxiliary Police in hotspot areas, especially around the Klang Valley. Efforts will continue by strengthening joint patrols with the police. Additionally, intelligence gathering and surveillance are being carried out in high-risk locations, along with efforts to dismantle metal black-market syndicates with the police,” Loke said.

“Coordination and information-sharing are also being carried out with police and NADA, along with discussions with local Village Development and Security Committees (JKKK) to curb drug dens near railway tracks, as these addicts are suspected of stealing KTMB cables and other equipment,” he added.

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