The Malaysian government is considering imposing harsher penalties on individuals involved in cable theft, Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming announced on Tuesday. Speaking during Question Time at the Dewan Rakyat, Nga said the government, through the Ministry of Home Affairs, is exploring amendments to existing legislation to address the growing problem.

Cable theft has increasingly affected public transit systems, including the Light Rail Transit (LRT) and Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) networks. Nga noted that disruptions are often not due to technical failures but rather the result of syndicates stealing cables, which poses risks to public safety and service reliability. He emphasized the government’s commitment to safeguarding the well-being of the public by tackling this issue more effectively.

The remarks came in response to a supplementary question from Datuk Mumtaz Md Nawi (PN-Tumpat) concerning the government’s initiatives to curb and deter cable theft. Nga also reminded the public that possession or acceptance of stolen cables constitutes a criminal offense, highlighting the importance of public cooperation to prevent such crimes.

The announcement follows a recent power disruption on the MRT Putrajaya Line on Sunday, which was caused by cable theft. Such incidents have raised concerns about the vulnerability of critical infrastructure and the need for stronger enforcement and legal measures.

While specific details of the proposed legal changes have not been disclosed, the Cabinet is reportedly treating the issue with high priority due to its impact on public transportation services and overall security. The government’s move seeks to address both the operational challenges faced by transit operators and the safety risks posed by cable theft syndicates.