KUALA LUMPUR – Prasarana Malaysia Bhd (Prasarana) has revealed it has suffered an estimated loss of RM20.6 million over the past three years due to rampant cable theft, a crime that has also disrupted rail operations and posed safety risks to millions of public transport users in the Klang Valley.
In a statement today, the company highlighted that these thefts not only cause service interruptions and delays but also impact critical systems that underpin rail safety.
“The true impact of cable theft goes beyond financial loss as it involves essential systems that ensure safe rail operations,” said Idzqandar Abu Bakar, Chief Officer of Health, Safety, Security, Environment, and Sustainability at Prasarana.
“Every theft incident disrupts train operations. Repairs and replacements must be carried out immediately to restore critical systems, and in such situations, passengers are the most affected.”
Prasarana noted a sharp rise in cable theft incidents, with 41 cases recorded in 2024 and 69 reported so far this year, marking a 68 per cent increase.
Idzqandar added that the problem affects not only Prasarana’s operations but also other rail operators and telecommunications companies.
He warned that the recurring nature of these crimes has serious implications for the country’s critical infrastructure.
The surge in thefts has been driven by the high demand and rising market prices of copper cables, making the crime increasingly lucrative for syndicates.
To tackle the issue, Prasarana has implemented a range of preventive measures, including the deployment of security personnel, joint patrols with the police, installation of high-tech closed-circuit cameras (CCTV), and trials of sniffer dogs along the Kajang and Putrajaya Lines.
Prasarana also works closely with Malaysia Rapid Transit Corporation Sdn Bhd (MRT Corp) to strengthen physical security at key locations.
“However, with rail tracks extending over 200 kilometres, these efforts are difficult to implement alone without broader support from enforcement and regulatory ecosystems,” the statement said.
Prasarana has called for a collective approach involving all stakeholders, including law enforcement agencies, lawmakers, industry players, and the public, to address the problem.
Members of the public are encouraged to report any suspicious activity along rail tracks to the police to ensure swift and effective action. – December 18, 2025