Rapid KL discovered a cable theft attempt at 5.30 am today, between the Phileo Damansara and Pusat Bandar Damansara stations on the MRT Kajang Line. It then temporarily shut off power to the track section involved in accordance to the safety and operational procedures.
The power cut was done to allow the auxiliary police team to inspect the scene and for the safe operations of tracking down the suspect. It was also done to ensure the safety of passengers and staff. Power was turned on at 6.32 am after the required action was carried out.
Throughout the inspection and search operations, an alternative train service was provided to ensure that commutes could continue safely, Rapid KL says.
The public transport operator says that it takes cable theft seriously as it affects train operations and the safety of passengers and staff. A police report was made at IPD Brickfields to allow for further investigation. Rapid KL says that it will continue to work with PDRM to assist investigations and prevent such incidents from happening again.
Earlier this month, minister of housing and local government Nga Kor Ming said that the government is considering heavier penalties to combat cable thieves, especially those involving syndicates. It would need amendments to existing laws though, and his ministry (KPKT) is in constant communication with the home ministry (KDN) on the matter.
In the meantime, more should be done as cable thieves are getting more brazen and are striking more regularly. The LRT, MRT, KTM, ERL and even the yet-to-launch ECRL have seen cables ripped out and operations affected.
perhaps it is time for more drastic action, such as audit of scrap metal yards and companies around the country. We need to stop the demand, so that the supply (theft) can be reduced.
paying the thieves a monthly salary would be cheaper than the frequent breakdowns
Copper theft is affecting Trains, telecommunications infra and street lighting heavily.
Maybe we could reward people who report from RM 2000 for each successful case. Any immediate effective and efficient channel, with strict confidential protection yet ensuring rewards?
govt shld come out very strongly concerning these thefts. too soft presently and it gives credence go to “crime does pay”!!
Introduce caning for cable theft.
Should charge them under SOSMA. Perpetual detention until King’s pardon
Surely by now the Cops should know the scrap metal dealers. Just cancel Their licenses
ps4 date 15 november 2013 year?why
Tiap-tiap minggu ada kes kecurian kable berlaku sekarang ni. Kerajaan nak nengok sahaja ke ? Dulu curi kabel lampu jalan…kabel bawah jalan. Ni dah berani curi kabel untuk sistem train plak…menyusahkan orang ramai. Kalau kerajaan tak nak ambil tindakan serius dan hukuman lebih berat…kes ni akan sentiasa berulang lagi….dan lagi….dan lagi….dan lagi….sampai Abg Jamil mampus….