Train Services In North Severely Hit By Cable Theft

KTM Berhad (KTMB) is experiencing major disruptions and safety concerns for passengers and freight in the northern sector due to a significant rise in signal cable theft.
Reportedly, the Northern KTM Komuter service disruptions due to crime escalated from 85 cases in July 2024 to 804 cases in December 2024, resulting in RM1.35 million in losses and 162 hours of operational downtime. Transport Minister Anthony Loke stated that twenty hotspot locations were discovered, with the highest number of cases (35) found in the Sungai Petani-Tasek Gelugor sector, followed by the Gurun-Sungai Petani sector with 21 cases.

He stressed that the rising incidents should be viewed as a grave act of sabotage jeopardizing national security and public order, rather than mere theft. To address this, the ministry will intensify enforcement efforts and work closely with the police (PDRM) to identify and prosecute those responsible for sabotaging national infrastructure.

"These cable theft syndicates endanger the safety of hundreds of passengers and cargo worth millions of ringgit. It is a malicious act that disrupts public order and jeopardises national security," he said in a Bernama report.

According to the minister, the KTM auxiliary police have conducted 132 special operations, which include 24/7 patrols in high-traffic areas like Sungai Petani, Gurun, and Tasek Gelugor in Penang.
Loke also mentioned that KTM intends to enhance security by upgrading its Axle Counter network and equipment. This upgrade is estimated to cost RM12.8 million annually for three years.


The plan also includes additional preventive measures such as installing CCTVs, deploying drones, constructing anti-climb fences, and securing manhole covers with advanced locking mechanisms to deter cable theft.