Police record 22 theft cases at ECRL sites in Terengganu

New Straits Times

6 days ago

KUALA TERENGGANU: Terengganu police recorded 22 theft-related reports, including cable thefts, at East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project sites across the state from Jan 1 to May 31 this year, with estimated losses totalling RM300,000.
State police chief Datuk Mohd Khairi Khairuddin said 13 investigation papers were opened, with five cases in Besut, four in Marang, two in Setiu, and one each in Kemaman and Dungun.
"Of these, five cases have been charged in court under Sections 414 and 379/511 of the Penal Code.
"Another five were classified as no further action (NFA) due to lack of evidence, while three are still under investigation," he told Bernama here today.
He said the number of cases had declined compared to the same period last year, when 35 reports were lodged, involving nearly RM2 million in losses.
At that time, 23 investigation papers were opened, eight cases in Marang, five each in Kuala Terengganu and Besut, three in Setiu, and two in Dungun.
"Of those cases, eight were brought to court under the same sections, five were given NFA status, and 10 remain under investigation," he said.
Mohd Khairi advised project site operators to strengthen security to prevent further theft, especially involving cables.
He recommended installing perimeter fencing, CCTV cameras, and adequate lighting, especially at night, in addition to deploying sufficient security personnel and maintaining a well-organised inventory system for construction materials and equipment.
He also urged nearby communities to report any suspicious activity or unauthorised movements around project sites to authorities or site management.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke had previously said the police must take firm action against cable thefts at ECRL sites, as such incidents could disrupt the project's progress.
Malaysia Rail Link (MRL) had expressed concern over cable thefts detected at certain locations along the ECRL alignment, which spans Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, and Selangor.
Meanwhile, in Kuantan, Pahang, eight cases of ECRL cable thefts, with estimated losses of about RM217,000, have been reported at project sites since the beginning of this year.
Kuantan district police chief Assistant Commissioner Wan Mohd Zahari Wan Busu said the incidents were reported in Cherating, Gebeng, and Damansara between Jan 1 and June 22.
"Investigations revealed that the cable thefts at ECRL station construction sites and along the alignments were not linked to any syndicates. However, we are investigating all possibilities, including the potential involvement of insiders.
"We are still tracking down the suspects and, to date, no arrests have been made.
"Police have advised ECRL on preventive measures to help curb these thefts," he said yesterday.
Wan Mohd Zahari said that following the recent incidents, Kuantan deputy police chief Superintendent Mohd Adli Mat Daud chaired a meeting with ECRL representatives on Monday.
"The department took immediate action by convening a meeting with ECRL officials at the Kuantan police headquarters.
"We discussed strategies to address the issue, and both parties have agreed to cooperate closely until the project is completed," he said.
Pahang police chief Datuk Seri Yahaya Othman had previously announced that a task force would be set up to prevent theft at the project sites.
He also recommended that the project operators consider employing auxiliary police to further strengthen security.
Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Datuk Seri Darwis Abdul Razak had previously voiced concerns over a series of cable thefts in Pahang, Kelantan, Terengganu, and Selangor, which he said could disrupt the planning and operational timeline of the ECRL.
He said thefts involving cables and transformer units had been reported at multiple sites, including Kota SAS, Paya Besar/Gambang, Cherating, and Kuantan Port City.
The 665km mega-rail project, which traverses Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, and Selangor, linking Kota Baru to the Gombak Integrated Transport Terminal, is slated to begin operations in January 2027 - Additional reporting by Asrol Awang.
– Bernama