Two key suspects in ECRL cable theft cases arrested in Temerloh, with police solving five cases involving over RM825,000 in losses
KUANTAN: Police have arrested two men, including the leader of ‘Geng Musang’, suspected of involvement in multiple East Coast Rail Link cable theft cases.
Temerloh Police chief ACP Mohd Nasyim Bahron confirmed the arrests occurred at Kampung Batu 3, Mentakab, Temerloh around 9 pm on Thursday.
The suspects, known by their aliases ‘Musang’ and ‘Sepet’, are aged 32 and 36 respectively.
Police discovered plastic packets containing drugs and a kerambit knife during a search of both men.
“Preliminary urine screening revealed that both suspects, who are unemployed, tested positive for drugs,” Mohd Nasyim said.
The Malaysian suspect also has six prior criminal records according to police.
Authorities believe the arrest of the main suspect has effectively dismantled the criminal group.
Police have connected the suspects to five ECRL cable theft cases reported in Temerloh and Bentong between August and September 2025.
Both suspects have been remanded until tomorrow to assist investigations.
They are being investigated under Section 379 of the Penal Code for theft.
Additional charges include Section 39A(1) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 and Section 6(1) of the Corrosive and Explosive Substances and Offensive Weapons Act 1958.
Previously, police arrested eight members of Geng Musang and Geng Jep Gambang in September operations.
All suspects were detained in raids conducted in Temerloh, Kuantan, and Bentong from September 10 to 14.
The cable thefts have caused estimated losses exceeding RM825,000 according to earlier reports.
China Communications Construction (ECRL) Sdn Bhd recently reported significant cable theft along project routes.
Cables measuring 1,080 metres along the Temerloh–Lanchang stretch were stolen within two weeks.
Another 599 metres of cables along the Lanchang–Bentong stretch were also taken.
The thefts potentially affect the ECRL project’s completion schedule. – Bernama
