THE Federal Government plans to amend existing laws to impose heavier penalties on individuals involved in cable theft, according to Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook.
Speaking at a press conference following the launch of the first batch of electric RapidPenang buses, Loke stated that the Transport Ministry is actively collaborating with the Home Ministry to draft the legal amendments.
“While tightening the penalties, operators must also take preventive measures,” Loke emphasised.
“These include installing CCTV cameras at strategic locations and deploying more auxiliary police to ensure restricted areas are not trespassed by cable thieves.”
The announcement comes after a recent cable theft incident on Friday (Oct 16), where 100 metres of cable were severed near the MRT tracks between the Phileo Damansara and Pusat Bandar Damansara stations in Kuala Lumpur.
Loke highlighted that cable theft poses a severe threat to public safety by causing major disruptions to public rail operations.
When asked if the amendments would entail longer prison sentences and whipping, Loke explained that policy discussions regarding increased jail terms and fines are ongoing and yet to be finalised.
Currently, cable theft is investigated under Section 379 of the Penal Code for theft, which carries a maximum seven-year prison sentence.
However, offenders are frequently charged with trespassing under Section 447 or 448, often receiving minor fines ranging between RM300 and RM1,000, or brief jail terms. — Oct 17, 2026
Main photo credit: NST
