Transport Ministry hopes surveillance tech can help spot cable thieves

Be it slow buses, the LRT breaking down, or the KTM being delayed, Malaysians have long adapted to the local public transport issues. However, some train delays are due to cable thieves, and the transport ministry is looking for ways to catch them.

Surveillance tech considered

According to The Star, Anthony Loke is considering the use of monitoring technology to address widespread cable theft. The Transport Minister said that the Ministry of Transport believes that surveillance could detect and prevent cable theft. Cable thieves have become the bane of local railways, especially in northern Peninsular Malaysia.

"It cannot be seen as normal theft because they disrupt services and can even affect public safety", said Loke at a press conference yesterday. He also said that the increase in cable theft could be due to the high price of copper. The Transport and Home ministries have begun discussions on tightening laws against cable thieves, in hopes of lowering the chances of cable theft.

Hard to detect

Of course, that is easier said than done. The national railway system is an expansive network covering long distances. In particular, the KTM (Keretapi Tanah Melayu) spans a reported 2,262KM. Some sections of the rail track are even in remote areas, which makes surveillance difficult. Full surveillance coverage of the entire railway network would also be costly.

Despite that, Loke has assured that the Transport Ministry will explore various methods against cable theft. He also mentioned that his team will look at solutions and theft prevention practices from other countries with railway networks.