The Housing and Local Government Ministry (KPKT) is working with the Home Ministry (KDN) to strengthen enforcement against cable theft, including considering amendments to existing laws to impose heavier penalties on offenders.
Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said tougher action was necessary as cable theft not only causes financial losses but can also disrupt public transport operations and put users at risk.
He cited disruptions to the Kelana Jaya Light Rail Transit (LRT) line caused by cables allegedly stolen by syndicates.
“KPKT is constantly engaging with KDN because we may need to amend the law so that heavier penalties can be imposed for cable theft cases,” he said in the Dewan Rakyat today.
He was responding to a supplementary question from Mumtaz Md Nawi (PN-Tumpat), who asked about enforcement measures being taken by KPKT to address cable theft.
Nga said local authorities also had an important role to play in combating the activity through their enforcement systems.
He stressed that action should also be taken against those who knowingly receive or purchase stolen goods, as receiving stolen property is itself a criminal offence.
“Receiving stolen property is a crime. That is why we are sending an important message that if anyone is caught, appropriate punishment will be imposed,” he said.
Nga said coordinated enforcement was crucial to curb cable theft while safeguarding public safety and the wellbeing of Malaysians.
