Cable Thefts Cause Over 1 300 Hours Of Train Delays Says Transport Ministry

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It says KTMB’s ETS and Komuter services were severely affected by stolen cables, with Perak and Selangor having the most cases.
The transport ministry said cable thefts disrupt KTMB’s signalling system, causing train delays. (Bernama pic)PETALING JAYA: Cable theft along Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd (KTMB) rail lines has caused more than 1,300 hours of train delays between January and August this year, according to the transport ministry
It said a total of 104 cable theft incidents were recorded, with Perak (38) and Selangor (37) recording the highest number of cases.
Other affected states include Kedah (19), Negeri Sembilan (4), Penang (3), Pahang (1), and Kuala Lumpur (2). No incidents were reported in Perlis, Melaka, Johor, and Kelantan.
“These cable theft incidents have disrupted KTMB’s signalling system, which controls train movements, causing operational delays and inconvenience for passengers.
“For 2025, the total delays amounted to 562 hours for ETS services and 741 hours for KTM Komuter services, with no delays for Intercity trains,” the ministry said in a written parliamentary reply to Chong Zhemin (PH-Kampar).
Chong had asked for the number of cable theft cases by state, the hours of disruption recorded, and preventive measures taken by the government.
The ministry said KTMB had taken steps to curb the problem, including collaborating with the transport ministry and enforcement agencies such as the police, the National Anti-Drugs Agency and the Land Public Transport Agency.
“Special operations and 24-hour patrols by KTMB auxiliary police are conducted in hotspot areas, especially in the Klang Valley, alongside joint patrols with the police,” it said.
Other measures include surveillance at high-risk locations, cementing 193 cable manhole covers in the northern sector, and repairing fences. CCTV and drone monitoring are also in the pipeline.
The ministry also said KTMB is engaging with local communities to tackle drug dens near railway tracks, as some cable thefts were linked to addicts stealing metal. - FMT

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