KOTA BHARU: Police have recorded four cases of cable theft from the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project in Kelantan this year, involving losses of approximately RM50,000.
Kelantan Police Chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat said the activity was believed to have been orchestrated by a local syndicate who took advantage of the time when the electrical system on the ECRL line was not yet fully operational.
He said two local men aged between 20s and 30s were arrested last month and are believed to be involved in all the incidents.
“They are believed to have been active since last February. Each incident involved the theft of cables and other equipment containing copper,” he said.
Mohd Yusoff said this at a press conference after the monthly assembly at the Kelantan Police Contingent Headquarters level for June 2026, here today.
He said most of the incidents occurred in Pasir Puteh as the district has the longest ECRL line in Kelantan which is connected to the route from Terengganu.
He said the stolen cables were believed to be sold at scrap metal buying premises in the state and discussions had been held with ECRL to improve security measures, including the installation of closed-circuit cameras and the hiring of security guards.
Mohd Yusoff said district police chiefs involved in the ECRL route were also instructed to increase patrols in the area to prevent similar incidents from recurring.
— BERNAMA
