Cable theft prompts MRL to step up ECRL security
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL) is strengthening security along the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL), including plans to recruit about 200 auxiliary police personnel following cable theft incidents that could affect operations.
MRL chief executive officer Datuk Seri Darwis Abdul Razak said three cable theft cases were recorded in early September, resulting in estimated losses of about RM4 million.
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“Regarding cable theft, this is indeed a serious issue. It happened a few months ago and we have taken it into consideration,” he said during an Editor’s Briefing on ECRL Operation Readiness here today.
Darwis said MRL had strengthened security equipment at several locations and was considering installing sensors at strategic hotspots prone to cable theft.
He said the proposed sensors would be installed near locations where security personnel were stationed to enable them to respond quickly to incidents.
“However, whenever there is repeated cable theft, it will affect our operations,” he said.
Darwis said MRL was targeting the recruitment of about 200 auxiliary police personnel to strengthen security along the ECRL network.
“Starting November, around 25% of them will be deployed,” he said.
