THE Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) has been urged to take firm action against ongoing cable thefts at East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project sites, with Transport Minister Anthony Loke warning that such crimes pose serious threats to public order and national security.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, Loke revealed he had raised the issue with Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, stressing that cable theft should not be treated as an ordinary criminal offence.
“This is not a petty theft. It jeopardises public safety and disrupts major infrastructure development. Harsher action under stricter laws is necessary. I leave it to the police to exercise their discretion, but we must not downplay the severity of these acts,” he said.
Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL), the project owner, has expressed growing concern over the incidents, which could disrupt the timeline and planned operations of the 665-kilometre rail project, scheduled for completion by December 2026.
MRL Chief Executive Officer Datuk Seri Darwis Abdul Razak said several theft cases have already been recorded across project segments in Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, and Selangor.
In response, Loke said MRL would implement enhanced security and mitigation measures across all affected ECRL construction sites.
The ECRL, Malaysia’s largest infrastructure initiative under China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), is expected to significantly improve connectivity and spur economic growth along the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia. - June 23, 2025
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