Malaysia, August 2026 – Malaysia’s government is finalising amendments to rail transport legislation that would increase penalties for railway cable theft and trespassing, with proposed fines rising from RM1,000 to as much as RM100,000 per offence. The move follows a series of incidents that have affected rail infrastructure and generated substantial financial losses across the sector.
Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Hasbi Habibollah stated that the proposed amendments are expected to be tabled during the next parliamentary session. Authorities consider the current penalties insufficient given the operational disruptions, repair costs and safety risks associated with cable theft on railway networks.
The urgency of the reforms is underscored by reported losses of approximately RM50 million across infrastructure owned by Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB), Prasarana Malaysia Berhad and the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project. Within the ECRL project alone, 71 cable theft incidents resulted in estimated losses of RM4.06 million, while a further 13 cases involving theft and damage to rail-related equipment caused losses of around RM690,000.
Although the ECRL remains under construction, authorities have warned that repeated theft incidents could affect installation works, testing, commissioning activities and operational readiness. The issue highlights the vulnerability of both operational railways and major infrastructure projects to criminal activity that can delay project delivery and increase lifecycle costs.
Alongside legislative changes, the government is implementing additional security measures across the rail network. These include the installation of 1,146 CCTV cameras along railway corridors from Johor to northern Peninsular Malaysia, deployment of 20 scrambler motorcycles for KTMB Auxiliary Police patrols, and the use of physical security enhancements and K9 units. The combined approach reflects a broader industry trend towards integrating legal deterrence with technology-driven asset protection to safeguard critical transport infrastructure.
Source: New Straits Times
Malaysia Moves to Strengthen Rail Security Through Harsher Cable Theft Penalties
Journalism & Media
Share this story
Rail operators worldwide are facing growing challenges from infrastructure vandalism and cable theft, which can disrupt services and increase maintenance costs. Malaysia is now advancing legal reforms aimed at deterring such crimes through significantly tougher penalties and enhanced security measures.
