KUALA LUMPUR: Cable theft has emerged as a serious threat to rail operations and public safety, with Prasarana Malaysia Bhd reporting losses of RM20.6 million over the past three years.
The company said the theft of critical cables has resulted in service disruptions, train delays and safety risks for millions of passengers using public transport services in the Klang Valley.
Group Chief Officer Idzqandar Abu Bakar noted that the crime has escalated in recent years, with cases rising from 41 in 2024 to 69 this year so far.
“The increasing value of copper and other materials has made cable theft more attractive to criminal syndicates,” he said.
Prasarana has responded by enhancing security measures, including joint patrols with police, advanced surveillance systems and the use of detection dogs at selected rail lines.
Despite these efforts, the company said addressing the issue effectively requires a coordinated response involving enforcement agencies, industry stakeholders and the public.
Prasarana urged commuters and nearby residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities near rail infrastructure to help protect critical transport systems.
