China Communications Construction ECRL Sdn Bhd (CCCECRL) has sounded the alarm over repeated thefts along the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) alignment, warning that these crimes could derail the project’s completion.
In a statement today, the company revealed that contact wires were stolen from sections between Temerloh, Lanchang and Bentong over the past two weeks. This comes on the heels of cable and transformer thefts reported in June.
The latest incidents saw 1,080 metres of contact wire removed from the Temerloh–Lanchang stretch, and another 599 metres from the Lanchang–Bentong section.
CCCECRL said the thefts not only push up replacement and repair costs, but also risk disrupting the construction schedule, as custom-made components require months to replace.
“These incidents threaten to delay the overall progress of the ECRL project, which plays a crucial role in delivering long-term social and economic benefits to the East Coast region and the nation,” the company said.
Police reports have been lodged in Lanchang, and investigations are ongoing. The company added that it is working closely with the authorities to tighten security along the alignment.
With the railway stretching 665 kilometres, CCCECRL also appealed for public cooperation, urging communities not to purchase stolen components and to report any suspicious activity to the police or the nearest ECRL section office.
Source: Malaymail