Sabotage on the Rails: 3 Cable Theft Incidents Disrupt KTM Train Services
KTM Berhad has reported that 3 separate incidents of cable theft targeting signalling and communications systems occurred today, 9 June 2025, along its northern routes, severely disrupting train operations. Approximately 350 metres of cable were stolen, resulting in delays of over 60 minutes for both the KTM Komuter Northern Sector and Electric Train Service (ETS).
Major Impacted Locations
The affected areas include the Tapah Road – Sungkai route (KM250.5), which saw the most significant theft with around 200 metres of cable stolen. Other impacted sections are Kamunting – Bukit Merah – Bagan Serai (KM87.25), where 110 metres were taken, and Simpang Ampat – Bukit Mertajam (KM15.5), with 40 metres missing.
Train Delays and Affected Services
As a direct result of these thefts, several train services experienced substantial delays:
- EP9172 (KL Sentral – Butterworth): delayed up to 80 minutes
- EG9321 (Butterworth – Segamat): delayed by 115 minutes
- EX9107 (Butterworth – KL Sentral): delayed up to 111 minutes
- EX9207 (Padang Besar – KL Sentral): delayed up to 80 minutes
- EG9420 (Segamat – Padang Besar): delayed up to 80 minutes
- KTM Komuter Utara (Ipoh – Butterworth – Ipoh): average delay of 30 minutes
Passengers were promptly notified via SMS and KTMB’s official social media platforms.
Escalating Problem and Safety Concerns
KTMB’s Chief Operating Officer, Mohd Zain Mat Taha, revealed that from January to May this year, nearly 45 cases of cable theft have been recorded in the northern sector alone. He described these thefts as acts of sabotage against rail infrastructure, posing significant risks to passenger safety and threatening to cripple the public transport system.
Mitigation and Security Measures
To address the issue, KTMB plans to upgrade its signalling network, focusing on high-risk areas, at an estimated cost of RM12.8 million annually over the next three years. Additional measures include installing manhole covers with special security locks at nearly 21 locations, expanding surveillance infrastructure with more CCTV cameras, drones, and anti-climb fencing.
KTMB’s auxiliary police, in cooperation with the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), will also increase patrols and monitoring in hotspots to combat these thefts.
Public Appeal and Financial Losses
KTMB urges the public to report any suspicious activities to the authorities, emphasising the importance of community cooperation in tackling this crime. The company apologises for the inconvenience caused to passengers and remains committed to ensuring the safety and reliability of its train services.
In the northern sector alone, cable thefts resulted in losses amounting to RM1.28 million in 2024, with an additional RM162,000 lost as of March 2025, bringing the total losses to RM1.44 million.