Loke described cable theft as a form of sabotage against the nation’s infrastructure.
KUALA LUMPUR: Cable theft can no longer be treated as a minor offense, with Transport Minister Anthony Loke warning that such acts pose serious risks to public transport operations and passenger safety.
Speaking at a press conference following the launch of the My50 Savings Tracker and the digitalisation of Rapid Kota and Rapid Kembara passes, Loke described cable theft as a form of sabotage against the nation’s infrastructure.
He stressed the serious impact on operators including Prasarana Malaysia and Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB).
“Each incident not only disrupts operations but also compromises the safety of public transport services,” he said.
The minister also said that thieves often target copper cables due to their high value, despite the areas being hazardous and restricted.
“So I want to remind them, don’t risk your lives just because of the high price of cables,” Loke added.
He said the Transport Ministry (MOT) will continue to ensure that equipment along highways, KTMB facilities, and other infrastructure is better protected, including the use of cables and safety equipment that are harder to damage or steal.
While improvements in design and materials are being evaluated, he acknowledged that overhauling entire structures would be costly, given the age of existing infrastructure.
“MOT welcomes the statement by Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail that legal amendments are being drafted to tighten penalties for such offenses.
“At present, cable theft is classified as a minor offense with fines of around RM1,000 to RM2,000, and once the case is concluded, the penalties fail to act as a strong deterrent to offenders,” Loke said.
Yesterday, Saifuddin said the government will review existing legal provisions to strengthen penalties for cable theft, particularly involving strategic projects such as the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL).
He added that the issue was discussed during a recent meeting with Loke, rail service operators including KTMB, and ECRL authorities.