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ECRL setback linked to site theft
Missing parts: Signalling cables have been reported stolen, with outdoor transformer units also removed along the ECRL line.
PETALING JAYA: The target to complete the much-touted East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project by December next year is facing an unexpected obstacle – theft of signalling equipment and communication cables.
The contractors have a fight on their hands with over 1,200m of signalling cables 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 get the job done hastily, and even came with transportation.
While cable theft or vandalism is a common problem, thefts along the ECRL track are distressing as the cables and transformers are custom-made, with usual delivery time taking up to six months.
The 665km ECRL, which connects the Klang Valley to the East Coast, is scheduled to be completed by December next year.
It will carry both passengers and freight from the west coast of the country to the east and vice- versa, with speeds of up to 160kph for passenger trains and 80kph for freight trains.
The project, which began in 2017, has recorded an overall progress of 82.45%.
MRL is the special purpose entity to execute the ECRL project.
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MRL CEO Datuk Seri Darwis Abdul Razak said there were at least two known instances of such thefts along the ECRL alignment.
'The thefts may delay the project delivery.
'We were very much looking forward to the testing and commissioning phase in June next year,' he added.
Since the start of the Communications, Information and Signaling (CIS) systems installation at the ECRL KotaSAS Station in Pahang this March, thieves have struck at no less than seven locations – Paya Besar, Cherating and Kuantan Port City (all in Pahang); Chukai, Dungun and Kemasik (Terengganu) and Pasir Puteh in Kelantan.
At the areas near the KotaSAS Station, the contractor involved, China Communications Construction ECRL Project (CCCC-ECRL) found that some fibre optic cables were left behind after being cut.
Fibre optic cables are said to be worthless in the scrap market as it does not contain metal.
However, the 1,200m of signalling cable which were stolen did contain some metal.
Darwis said MRL will meet with the respective state police chiefs to discuss comprehensive asset protection measures and also raise the issue with the relevant ministers.
Observers note that protecting trackside assets was difficult as cables were often placed in concrete troughs, with thieves just needing to remove the cover to gain quick access to the cable bundle.
Darwis said CCCC-ECRL will bear the losses from the thefts as the project has not been handed over to the government yet.
'That said, we as the project owner will also do our part to curb this problem. The ECRL project team is working closely with police to engage those in the scrap collection or recycling business,' he said.
'We have engaged security personnel to patrol the areas and will install CCTVs at critical areas, although it is not easy to keep watch over such a long alignment,' he said.
It is learnt that the on-ground portions of the entire alignment will be eventually fenced up to prevent intrusions.
'In the meantime, we appeal to the public to help us by quickly alerting authorities if they spot suspicious activities along the alignment,' Darwis said.
Yuslizar Daud, former head of the Land Public Transport Commission's (now defunct SPAD) Rail Division, said these types of theft were tough to overcome.
'It happens all over the world. In the United Kingdom, Network Rail lost almost £20mil (RM114.4mill) a year due to cable theft.
'Here, thieves are very smart and well-organised, with intricate networks. They are always 100 steps ahead of the operators,' he said.
Yuslizar said the only way to effectively resolve the problem was for all rail operators to come together and share intelligence, resources and data.
CCCC-ECRL managing director Deng Bo said theft or vandalism of rail infrastructure was a serious crime in China as it threatened the safety of rail operations, and hence, public safety.
Officials said if equipment theft continues unabated, Malaysia will suffer losses as it will have to bear half the operational losses, if any, when the trains start running by early 2027.
