Transport minister Anthony Loke backs a legal review for heavier penalties, calling cable theft sabotage that causes millions in losses and service disruptions.
KUALA LUMPUR: Transport Minister Anthony Loke has called for significantly harsher penalties for thieves who steal cables from public transport systems.
He stated his ministry supports Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail’s proposal to review and amend existing laws to tighten punishment for such crimes.
Loke emphasised that cable theft is not merely a crime but an act of sabotage against public order.
He argued that current fines, sometimes as low as RM1,000 or RM2,000, fail to send a strong deterrent message.
“Every time cable theft occurs, operations are disrupted and the losses are very significant,” Loke said at a press conference.
He revealed that Prasarana Malaysia Bhd alone suffered losses of RM20.6 million from cable theft since 2023.
The minister attributed the thefts to the high market value of copper, which drives thieves to risk electrocution.
On Tuesday, Saifuddin Nasution said the government would examine amending laws to increase penalties, especially for thefts involving strategic projects like the East Coast Rail Link.
Separately, Loke addressed the serious issue of drug abuse among heavy vehicle drivers.
He confirmed that integrated operations involving the JPJ, police and the National Anti-Drug Agency have been intensified since last year.
Authorities found 261 heavy vehicle drivers tested positive for drugs during inspections over the past five years.
Loke stressed that this poses an extreme danger to other road users and must be taken seriously.
He also urged heavy vehicle operators to implement strategies ensuring their drivers are drug-free.
