Stricter action needed as cable thefts rampant, says Loke
PUTRAJAYA: Stricter action should be taken against cable thieves whose crimes have resulted in setbacks at the sites of the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project, said Transport Minister Anthony Loke.
Loke said cable thefts should not be treated as just a normal case of theft, as they involve national security.
"This cable theft issue is not limited to the ECRL project. As I have previously disclosed, KTMB has experienced various delays due to similar incidents.
"I am urging the police to act firmly. I have openly called on the police to pursue this not merely as a regular theft case, as this involves public safety. It affects public order and poses a threat to national security.
"Stricter legal action under more severe laws needs to be taken. However, I leave it to the wisdom of the police to determine the appropriate course of action. But we cannot treat this as just a normal case of theft," he said at a press conference here today.
It was reported that the target to complete the much-touted ECRL project by December next year is facing an unexpected obstacle following the theft of signalling equipment and communication cables.
Over 1,200m of signalling cables were reported stolen along its alignment, with 81 outdoor transformer units also removed.
According to Malaysia Rail Link (MRL) Sdn Bhd, the thieves used non-professional cutting tools to complete the job hastily and even brought their transportation.
Loke said the authorities will implement mitigation measures to ensure greater safety at the site, and he had also contacted the home minister on the issue.
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