The government is considering heavier penalties to combat cable thieves, especially those involving syndicates. Minister of housing and local government Nga Kor Ming said that the move would need amendments to existing laws, and that his ministry (KPKT) is in constant communication with the home ministry (KDN) on the matter.
“It has been a few times that the LRT at Kelana Jaya couldn’t function, not because of operational mistakes, but because of cables stolen by syndicates,” Nga said in parliament today, adding that the act of receiving stolen goods is a crime, and those involved can be punished.
“That’s why we need to give an important signal – if you’re caught, appropriate punishment will be given to ensure that we continue to protect public safety and peace,” the Teluk Intan MP said, reported by Astro Awani.
While the minister said the right things, and tougher laws are indeed needed; as with most things in Malaysia, it’s all about enforcement. ‘If’ they are caught, with the key word being if. By the way, it’s not just the LRT Kelana Jaya Line that’s been facing cable theft – the MRT Putrajaya Line is a frequent victim.
The PYL faced power loss and a stuck train yesterday morning at Taman Equine and back in March, the line saw service disruption for three days, affecting thousands of city commuters.
Elsewhere, the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) hasn’t even started operations and its cables are already being ripped out for metals, and KTM is also no stranger to cable thieves. More on the worsening problem here.
they’re organised criminal network masquerading as scrap metal cum recycling entrepreneurs. Should target the Master.
Switch to fibre optics. Sure there will be some upfront investment but this problem will be solved for good.
Bro, these are copper cables for power supply. Fiber optics is for communication.
Switch to aluminium then.
Fiber optics is for communication. For power you will still need full copper cables.
Ok, switch to aluminium. Just need thicker gauge.
They should be hanged. Make the punishment as severe as dealing and distributing illegal substances
They are as bad as terrorist, pengkhianat,
Harming nation’s safety and economy.
Just fire Law minister and Pdrm minister too. Useless makan gaji buta
Fire Loke and all cable theft problems will be solved.
Fiber optics will work for TNB but not for the MRT lines. So fines and punishments are one thing but as the author pointed out, it comes down to enforcement.
So I suggest giving out a good reward for all those who catch these chaps. Say it starts with RM 1,000 for each incident and a dedicated number to call. Members of the public who catch these thieves can call the number and get rewarded. It makes the citizen and the nearby communities to police the area for the agencies involved.
The government have been talking for ages on the heavier penalty. Till today still considering? All talk and no action while the cables continues to be ripped off affecting millions of commuters loss of productivity and monetary loses.Please sacked the next minister that continue to say they considering to implement the higher penalty.
not only stolen cable….metal railing, drain & manhole cover thief also should got heavy punishment
Causing death if accidents occurred due to their act is a from of terrorist. Get rid of them before it happens.
put death penalty la.. see them still dare or not.
Do not consider, do it.
is a syndicate, know how where the cable and manhole access.
Putting them in jail, whip will come back again. 1st work world facilities with 3rd world mentality will always happen the same thing again and again.
Just charge them under terrorism, national security and public safety.
Just charge them under terrorism, national security and public safety. Only enforcement will eliminate such thefts.