A total of 393 railway cable theft incidents involving an estimated 19,756 metres of cables, with losses amounting to RM16.3 million, were recorded between 2024 and last year.
Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Hasbi Habibollah said the figures also included 64 theft cases in the northern sector involving 1,878 metres of railway cables stolen between January and June this year.
He said 141 incidents involving 9,699 metres of cable were recorded last year, followed by 188 cases involving 8,179 metres in 2024.
The government views the rising cases of railway cable theft seriously as it not only causes significant financial losses but also affects operational safety, service reliability and the efficiency of public transport systems.
Hasbi said such activities could be regarded as sabotage against rail infrastructure due to the risk posed to passenger safety, disruption of train services and erosion of public confidence.
He said various proactive measures are being implemented and will continue to be strengthened to curb such criminal activities.
Responding in the Dewan Rakyat, he said one of the key initiatives includes the phased installation of AI-powered smart CCTV systems at high-risk locations identified by the Railway Assets Corporation (RAC).
The system is capable of detecting suspicious movements in real time, conducting video analytics such as object recognition and intrusion detection, and sending automatic alerts to control centres for immediate action.
He also said drone technology has been introduced to enhance rapid and wider aerial surveillance, especially in areas that are difficult to access via routine patrols.
Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) has also been approved to acquire 20 scrambler motorcycles for its auxiliary police unit to strengthen patrols and improve response to incidents along rail lines.
Hasbi added that legal provisions are also being reviewed to impose stricter action against offenders, including trespassers and those involved in damaging or stealing railway assets.
He said cooperation with the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) has been strengthened, including outreach efforts targeting scrap metal dealers and traders.
These awareness campaigns aim to stop the purchase of stolen railway cables or components suspected to originate from criminal activities.
Hasbi stressed that the approach is crucial to disrupting the illegal supply chain and reducing incentives for offenders.
He said the government remains committed to strengthening prevention, enforcement and technological adoption to safeguard rail infrastructure and ensure safe, efficient and reliable public transport services for the people.
