Cable thieves face tougher punishment as govt targets rail disruptions

CABLE thieves could face tougher prison terms and fines under proposed legal amendments as the Federal Government moves to curb thefts that disrupt rail services and threaten public safety.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the amendments were being drafted with the Home Ministry, although the proposed penalties had yet to be finalised.

“We are in the process of drafting amendments to the current law and working with the Home Ministry,” he said.

Loke said tougher penalties alone would not be sufficient, urging transport operators to strengthen preventive measures by installing closed-circuit television cameras at strategic locations and deploying more auxiliary police to stop intrusions into restricted areas.

He was speaking at a press conference after launching the first batch of electric Rapid Penang buses in George Town on Saturday.

His remarks followed a cable theft incident on Friday in which about 100m of cable was cut near the MRT tracks between the Phileo Damansara and Pusat Bandar Damansara stations in Kuala Lumpur.

“Cable theft affects public safety because it disrupts our rail services, with serious implications for both the rail system and the public,” he said.

Separately, PLUS Malaysia Bhd said its personnel and police had foiled a suspected cable theft attempt along the North Klang Valley Expressway, resulting in a suspect’s arrest.

Asked whether the proposed amendments would include whipping and longer jail terms, Loke said imprisonment was being considered, but discussions on increasing jail terms and fines were still ongoing.

“Yes, in terms of imprisonment, but the details have not been finalised as discussions on the policy to increase jail terms and fines are still ongoing,” he said.

Cable theft can currently be investigated under Section 379 of the Penal Code, which carries a maximum prison term of seven years. However, suspects are also frequently charged under Sections 447 or 448 for criminal trespass, offences that can result in fines of RM300 to RM1,000 or short jail terms for those who plead guilty. - October 17, 2026