KUALA LUMPUR – Terengganu police have recorded 22 theft-related cases, including cable thefts, at East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) construction sites in the state between January 1 and May 31 this year, resulting in estimated losses of RM300,000.
According to state police chief Datuk Mohd Khairi Khairuddin, 13 investigation papers have been opened—five in Besut, four in Marang, two in Setiu, and one each in Kemaman and Dungun.
“Of these, five cases have been charged in court under Sections 414 and 379/511 of the Penal Code. Another five were classified as no further action (NFA) due to lack of evidence, while three are still under investigation,” he said when contacted by Bernama.
He added that the number of cases this year marked a decline compared to the same period last year, when 35 reports involving nearly RM2 million in losses were lodged. In 2023, 23 investigation papers were opened—eight in Marang, five each in Kuala Terengganu and Besut, three in Setiu, and two in Dungun.
“Of those cases, eight were brought to court under the same sections, five were given NFA status, and 10 remain under investigation,” he said.
Mohd Khairi urged project site operators to bolster security measures—particularly against cable theft—by installing fencing, CCTV cameras and adequate lighting, as well as deploying sufficient security personnel and maintaining a well-organised inventory system.
He also called on local communities to report any suspicious activity or unauthorised movements near ECRL sites to either the authorities or the site management.
Meanwhile, Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL) has raised serious concerns over a series of cable thefts that threaten to disrupt the project’s planning and operational timeline. The ECRL project, currently at a critical phase, is slated for completion in December 2026.
MRL chief executive officer Datuk Seri Darwis Abdul Razak said several theft cases have been reported at specific locations along the 665km alignment spanning Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, and Selangor.
“These incidents not only raise the cost of repairs and replacements but also risk delaying the train testing and commissioning schedule, which is expected to begin in June 2026,” he said during an interview with the Malaysian media delegation in Beijing.
He warned that if the main contractor, China Communications Construction Company (CCCC), fails to complete the project on time, the company could face losses amounting to RM1.25 million per day.
MRL, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Minister of Finance (Incorporated), has lodged police reports over the incidents and is reinforcing security by appointing a dedicated security firm to monitor ECRL assets on the ground.
“However, we are also counting on continued cooperation from the authorities and local communities to help curb this crime. This is a national project that we must protect together,” said Darwis.
He also plans to meet with Home Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail and the police chiefs of the affected states to seek coordinated action.
As of May this year, the ECRL’s construction progress stood at 83.38 per cent. Darwis said 2025 would be the project’s most critical phase, with installation of communications, signalling, and information systems already underway at the Kota SAS (Sultan Ahmad Shah) Station and soon to begin at other locations.
Cable and transformer thefts have plagued the project since March, particularly in areas such as Paya Besar/Gambang, Cherating, and Kuantan Port City in Pahang; Chukai, Dungun, and Kemasik in Terengganu; and Pasir Puteh in Kelantan.
The first two Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) train sets and two electric freight locomotives—manufactured by CRRC Dalian—are expected to arrive in Malaysia by the end of this year, with more arriving in stages from April 2026.
“System and train testing and commissioning are scheduled to begin in June 2026. This is a crucial phase that will determine our readiness to begin operations,” said Darwis.
He also reported that all 38 tunnels along the alignment have been successfully bored, with the final two—Serendah Tunnel 2 and the Genting Twin Tunnel—expected to be completed by early July.
Land acquisition for the main track from Kota Bharu to Port Klang has been fully completed, with only a few remaining lots needed for the electrification system.
The ECRL’s cargo service has also drawn strong interest from logistics industry players, with early commitments totalling between 800,000 and one million tonnes for the first year of operations, set to begin in 2027.
The ECRL, Malaysia’s largest infrastructure project under China’s Belt and Road Initiative, is expected to significantly enhance transport connectivity and catalyse economic development along Peninsular Malaysia’s east coast. - June 25, 2025
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