Putrajaya mulls longer jail terms, higher fines for rail cable theft to protect public safety, says Loke

Putrajaya is considering the implementation of stricter jail terms and higher fines for those involved in theft of rail cables, in an effort to safeguard public safety, according to Transport Minister Anthony Loke. The specifics of the proposed legal amendments have not yet been determined, but the government is currently engaged in policy discussions regarding the matter.

Loke made the announcement at a press conference following the launch of Rapid Penang's electric buses at the Weld Quay depot in George Town. The minister's comments came in response to a question regarding an alleged cable theft on the MRT Kajang Line and whether the government would strengthen penalties for offenders. Loke emphasized that the issue of cable theft is not limited to the MRT network, as it has also affected other rail operators, such as Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad, and even the yet-to-be-operational ECRL (East Coast LRT).

He asserted that the theft of cables poses a significant threat to the public's safety and that harsher punishment is necessary to convey a strong message to potential offenders. Loke also stressed that rail operators must take proactive measures to prevent cable theft, including the installation of CCTV cameras in strategic locations and the deployment of additional auxiliary police officers to protect restricted areas from intruders.