THE East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project, Malaysia’s major infrastructure initiative connecting the Klang Valley to the East Coast, is now facing a significant threat to its completion timeline due to a spate of cable and equipment thefts.
The Star cited today that over 1,200 metres of signalling cables and 81 outdoor transformer units have been reported stolen along the route, according to Malaysia Rail Link (MRL) Sdn Bhd. The incidents have raised concerns about project delays, particularly as the stolen components are custom-made and could take up to six months to replace.
“The thefts may delay the project delivery,” said MRL Chief Executive Officer Datuk Seri Darwis Abdul Razak. “We were very much looking forward to the testing and commissioning phase in June next year.”
The 665km rail line, which commenced construction in 2017 and has achieved 82.45% overall progress, is scheduled for completion by December 2026. Designed to carry both passengers and freight, it will support speeds of up to 160kph for passenger trains and 80kph for cargo services.
Since the installation of Communications, Information and Signalling (CIS) systems began at the KotaSAS Station in Pahang in March, at least seven locations across Pahang, Terengganu, and Kelantan have experienced thefts. These include Paya Besar, Cherating, Kuantan Port City, Chukai, Dungun, Kemasik, and Pasir Puteh.
Contractors discovered that in some areas, including near the KotaSAS Station, fibre optic cables were abandoned after being cut – likely due to their lack of value as scrap. However, the stolen signalling cables did contain metal, making them attractive to thieves.
Darwis said the project contractor, China Communications Construction Company (CCCC-ECRL), would bear the cost of the stolen materials, as the project has not yet been handed over to the government.
“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.
He added that MRL will meet with state police chiefs and relevant ministers to discuss comprehensive asset protection measures. The project is also deploying more security patrols and installing CCTV at critical locations, though Darwis acknowledged the challenge of monitoring such an extensive alignment.
Plans are underway to fence off ground-level portions of the route to prevent future intrusions. “In the meantime, we appeal to the public to help us by quickly alerting authorities if they spot suspicious activities along the alignment,” Darwis said.
Yuslizar Daud, former head of the now-defunct Land Public Transport Commission’s Rail Division, noted that cable theft is a global issue. “It happens all over the world. In the United Kingdom, Network Rail lost almost £20 million (RM114.4 million) a year due to cable theft,” he said.
“Here, thieves are very smart and well-organised, with intricate networks. They are always 100 steps ahead of the operators,” he added, stressing the need for rail operators to collaborate and share intelligence.
CCCC-ECRL managing director Deng Bo described such thefts as a “serious crime” in China, warning that they endanger public safety by compromising rail operations.
Officials further warned that continued theft could lead to financial losses once the trains begin service in early 2027, as Malaysia is obliged to share half the operational costs, including any shortfalls. - June 23, 2025
