Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) successfully foiled an attempt to steal approximately 250 metres of cable along the Kempas Baru–Kulai route here, thanks to the swift action of its Auxiliary Police (PB) late Friday night (20 February).
In a statement, KTMB said that at 8:50 PM, the Train Control Centre received information regarding a signalling system disruption along the route before the PB team was instructed to conduct immediate patrols and inspections at the affected location.
According to the statement, at around 11:30 PM, the on-duty personnel spotted a suspicious man at Kilometre 728.25 along the route.
“The suspect is believed to have been cutting the cables and attempted to flee upon realising the presence of security personnel.”
“However, due to the quick and efficient action of the PB members, the suspect was successfully detained at 11:47 PM,” the statement added.
Suspect had prior criminal records
KTMB said further checks found that a four-core cable had been cut in the area.
PB members also found several bags containing cable-cutting tools believed to have been used in the activity, which had been left near the scene.
The suspect was then handed over to the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) at the Kulai District Police Headquarters (IPD) for further investigation.
“Initial checks revealed that the man had 28 prior criminal records,” it said.
According to KTMB, trespassing and damaging railway property is a serious offence under the Railways Act 1991 (Act 463) and the Land Public Transport Act 2010 (Act 715).
The Acts provide for strict action, including fines, imprisonment, or both, against offenders found guilty.
Stay tuned for more updates.
Also read: “We found mattresses” – MRT Cable Thieves Lived Underground for Days, Caused RM21 Million in Losses
