Rail passengers across Malaysia could soon benefit from stronger protection as the government prepares to introduce much tougher penalties for rail cable theft, a crime that has disrupted train services, delayed projects, and caused millions of ringgit in losses.
Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Hasbi Habibollah announced in the Dewan Negara that the government is finalising amendments to the country’s rail transport legislation, proposing fines of up to RM100,000 for individuals caught trespassing on railway property or stealing cables from national rail infrastructure. The current maximum fine of RM1,000 is widely considered too low to deter offenders.
According to the Deputy Minister, the proposed amendments are expected to be tabled during the next Parliament session, marking a significant step toward protecting one of Malaysia’s most important public transportation networks.
The government believes stronger penalties are necessary because cable theft affects far more than infrastructure. Every stolen cable has the potential to delay train services, disrupt daily commutes, increase repair costs, and place additional financial pressure on railway operators responsible for maintaining safe and reliable transportation.
The urgency of the proposed legal changes comes after authorities recorded approximately RM50 million in losses involving Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB), Prasarana Malaysia Berhad, and the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project.
The ECRL alone has experienced 71 reported cable theft incidents, causing an estimated RM4.06 million in losses. An additional 13 cases involving theft and damage to railway equipment resulted in losses of around RM690,000, bringing the total financial impact on the project to RM4.75 million.
Although the ECRL remains under construction and has not yet affected passenger services, officials warn that continued theft could delay installation work, system testing, commissioning activities, and preparations before operations begin.
Beyond introducing tougher laws, the government is also investing heavily in railway security.
A total of 1,146 new CCTV cameras are being installed along railway routes stretching from Johor to northern Malaysia, providing wider surveillance coverage and allowing authorities to respond more quickly to suspicious activities.
KTMB has also strengthened its security operations by acquiring 20 scrambler motorcycles for its Auxiliary Police, enabling faster patrols across railway tracks and remote locations. Additional preventive measures include securing high-risk manholes and deploying specially trained K9 sniffer dogs to detect criminal activity.
These combined efforts reflect Malaysia’s commitment to protecting critical transport infrastructure while ensuring passengers can travel safely and reliably. By increasing penalties, expanding surveillance, and enhancing ground patrols, the government aims to send a clear message that crimes targeting national railway assets will no longer be treated lightly.
As Malaysia continues investing in modern transportation and large-scale rail projects, safeguarding railway infrastructure remains essential to maintaining public confidence, supporting economic growth, and ensuring uninterrupted rail services for millions of passengers.
