An alleged attempt to steal railway cables ended in disaster after a man was electrocuted by a high-voltage power supply beneath a bridge near a railway track, triggering disruptions to train services early Tuesday morning.
In a statement, Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) said the incident occurred at approximately 6.08am and resulted in a power supply trip along the railway line between Tasek Gelugor and Sungai Petani at Kilometer 32.500.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the disruption was believed to have been caused by an individual attempting to steal cables after trespassing into a restricted railway infrastructure area.
According to KTMB, the suspect was struck by a powerful 25-kilovolt (kV) electrical flashover while using unsuitable equipment near the railway’s power supply system. The intense electrical discharge left the individual seriously injured.
The victim was subsequently transported to hospital for further medical treatment. His current condition has not been disclosed.
Railway authorities stressed that trespassing onto railway property and stealing infrastructure components are serious offences that not only endanger lives but also jeopardise the safety and reliability of train operations.
KTMB warned that railway power systems carry extremely high voltage capable of causing severe injuries or death within seconds. The company reiterated that railway infrastructure areas are not public spaces and should never be targeted for criminal activities.
The incident also serves as a reminder of the dangers posed by tampering with critical public infrastructure, which can have far-reaching consequences for commuters and transport services.
KTMB added that trespassing and damaging railway property are offences punishable under the Railway Act 1991 (Act 463) and the Land Public Transport Act 2010 (Act 715).
