Stolen Cables, Stranded Commuters. Is Malaysia Doing Enough To Stop It?

1,300 hours of train delays. Millions of ringgit in losses. And now, Malaysia wants tougher penalties for rail cable theft. But will that be enough?

Cable theft has become a costly problem for Malaysia's rail operators, and an equally frustrating one for commuters. In November 2025, Transport Minister Anthony Loke revealed that stolen cables had caused 1,300 hours of accumulated KTM Komuter and ETS delays during the period reported.

Separately, Prasarana disclosed approximately RM20.6 million in cable theft-related losses over three years.

Now, the government is preparing amendments to the Land Public Transport Act 2010 (Act 715) to introduce tougher punishment. On 27 October 2026, Loke confirmed that the draft had been prepared, with parliamentary tabling targeted for early 2027, subject to Cabinet approval.

But what happens if the punishment gets tougher, while thieves can still reach the cables?

1,303 Hours Of Delays. And That's Just KTMB

As Carz previously reported , cable theft caused 741 hours of KTM Komuter delays and 562 hours involving ETS services, according to figures disclosed in November 2025.

That's 1,300 hours of accumulated delays across affected services, not a continuous 1,300-hour railway shutdown.

The financial damage is substantial, too. In December 2025, Prasarana reported approximately RM20.6 million in losses over three years, alongside concerns about operational reliability and passenger safety.

Official figures also show that the problem has not followed the same pattern across every operator. According to the Transport Ministry's parliamentary reply dated 12 March 2026 , Prasarana recorded more theft incidents in 2025 than in 2024, while KTMB recorded fewer.

The consequences are not limited to KTM services. In April 2025, cable vandalism disrupted KLIA Transit operations , forcing temporary service adjustments.

More recently, approximately 100 metres of cable were cut near the MRT Kajang Line between Phileo Damansara and Pusat Bandar Damansara stations in October 2026, renewing attention on railway security.

Why Can One Stolen Cable Disrupt A Train Service?

Railway cables do more than carry electricity. They also support signalling and communications systems used to monitor train movements and maintain safe operations.

When critical equipment is damaged, trains may have to slow down, operate under restrictions or stop while the affected systems are inspected.

A clear example was the October 2025 MRT Putrajaya Line disruption , when damaged signalling cables resulted in slower services, longer waiting times and replacement shuttle-bus arrangements.

In short, the stolen material may be worth far less than the disruption it causes.

Malaysia Wants Tougher Penalties. But When?

During the Transport Ministry's Budget 2027 winding-up session on 27 October 2026, Loke confirmed that draft amendments to Act 715 had been prepared.

According to The Star's parliamentary report , the draft will be circulated for comments before being submitted to the Cabinet for policy approval. The government hopes to table the amendments during Parliament's first sitting of 2027, if approved.

The proposed changes are intended to introduce harsher punishment for cable theft affecting rail infrastructure. However, the exact fines, imprisonment terms and offences covered have yet to be finalised.

Will Tougher Punishment Actually Stop Cable Theft?

This is where the issue becomes more complicated. Higher penalties could strengthen deterrence, but they do not automatically prevent thieves from accessing railway infrastructure.

Loke himself acknowledged in October that tougher penalties alone would not solve the problem without effective preventive measures.

Prasarana has reported using CCTV surveillance, security patrols, police cooperation and trials involving sniffer dogs. For KTMB, the government has also outlined measures involving AI-assisted surveillance, drones and additional patrol motorcycles, although implementation and effectiveness may vary.

Securing a sprawling railway network is no easy task. Prasarana previously highlighted the challenge of protecting more than 200 kilometres of rail infrastructure, particularly against organised thieves targeting copper cables.

Both approaches matter. Stronger laws may increase the consequences of getting caught, while better security can make theft harder to carry out.

Will Malaysian Commuters See A Difference?

Not immediately. The amendments still require further approval and the legislative process. In the meantime, operators must continue protecting their infrastructure under existing laws and security arrangements.

The real measure of progress will be straightforward: fewer cable theft incidents, fewer train disruptions and more reliable journeys.