The East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project in Malaysia faces potential delays due to the theft of signalling cables and equipment. Over 1,200 metres of signalling cables and 81 outdoor transformer units have been stolen from at least seven locations along the project's alignment. These thefts not only increase repair and replacement costs but also risk delaying the train testing and commissioning schedule, which is expected to begin in June 2026, with a targeted completion date of December 2026. Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL), the project owner, has reported these incidents to the police and is implementing enhanced security measures, including hiring a dedicated security firm.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke has urged the police to treat cable theft as a serious threat to national security, not just a normal crime, as it affects public safety and disrupts public order. The ECRL, a 665 km project under China's Belt and Road Initiative, aims to reduce travel time between Gombak, Selangor, and Kota Bharu, Kelantan, and is currently 83.38% complete as of May. The first train sets are expected to arrive by the end of the year, with system testing scheduled for June 2026.