Cable Thefts Put ECRL Timeline At Risk - MRL Chief

A surge in cable and equipment thefts has jeopardised the timely completion of the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL), Malaysia’s key infrastructure project linking the Klang Valley to the East Coast.

According to Malaysia Rail Link (MRL) Sdn Bhd, 81 outdoor transformer units and over 1,200 metres of signalling cables have been stolen along the route, as reported by The Star yesterday.


The theft of these custom-made components, some of which could take up to six months to replace, has raised serious concerns about potential delays.

“The thefts may delay the project delivery. We were very much looking forward to the testing and commissioning phase in June next year,” said MRL Chief Executive Officer Datuk Seri Darwis Abdul Razak.


Slated for completion by 2027, this 665-kilometre rail line, now 82.45% complete, is designed for both passenger and freight transport, with trains capable of reaching speeds of 160 km/h for passengers and 80 km/h for cargo.

However, since the installation of Communications, Information, and Signalling (CIS) systems began at KotaSAS Station in Pahang in March, theft incidents have been reported at no fewer than seven locations across Pahang, Terengganu, and Kelantan.

According to Darwis, as the project is still under the contractor’s responsibility, any losses from the thefts will be borne by China Communications Construction Company (CCCC-ECRL).

“That said, we as the project owner will also do our part to curb this problem. The ECRL project team is working closely with police to engage those in the scrap collection or recycling business,” he said, adding that MRL will meet police and ministers to boost ECRL security with patrols, CCTV, and fencing at ground level.

In other developments,  Darwis stated that all land acquisition for the main ECRL alignment from Kota Bharu, Kelantan, to Port Klang, Selangor, has been completed with the support of the respective state governments.

He also announced that 38 tunnels have been bored along the route. The last two, the Genting Twin Tunnel and Serendah Tunnel 2, are expected to be completed by the end of this month and early next month, respectively.