00:01381 hours. That is how long KTM train services were delayed by cable theft in 2025.
00:08That is nearly 16 days of destruction and thousands of commuters faced delays and disrupted journeys.
00:15The crime is fueled by the value of metal, particularly copper.
00:20Copper prices have been climbing sharply.
00:23In the international market, benchmark copper prices reached $14,595 per ton on October 18,
00:33after hitting a record $14,875 a ton in September.
00:41One kilogram can rake in over RM50 in Malaysia right now.
00:45So, why are copper prices spiking?
00:48Well, copper is essential to electrical wiring, power infrastructure and manufacturing.
00:55There is also growing demand from electrification, power grids and data centers has helped support prices.
01:03While concerns over supply have added pressure.
01:06And the value of the metal creates an incentive for these cable thieves.
01:11For criminals, that can mean quick money.
01:14For railway operators, the consequences are far more expensive.
01:17Between 2024 and June 2026, KTMB recorded 432 cable theft cases involving nearly 20 kilometers of cable
01:29and estimated losses of $16.3 million.
01:33In 2025 alone, the thefts caused 246 hours of delays to the electric train service or ETS
01:42and another 135 hours for KTM commuter.
01:47The Klang Valley's urban rail network has also been hit.
01:51Proasawana recorded 163 cable theft cases involving its LRT and MRT lines with estimated losses of RM29 million.
02:02The East Coast Grail Link project recorded 71 cable theft cases with losses estimated at RM4.06 million.
02:12Including other stolen or damaged equipment and system materials, the total reached RM4.75 million.
02:20Across KTMB, Puasawana and the ECRL project, estimated losses reached 50.05 million.
02:30The copper may be valuable, but stealing it comes at a much higher public cost.
02:35Tackling the problem means not only catching thieves, but also tightening checks on scrap metal dealers
02:40and tracing the buyers who create a market for stolen cables.
02:44The government is now mulling tougher penalties for these cable thefts.
02:49But when copper disappears from railway tracks, the public pays the price.
02:55Whether it's in ringgit, they stop the journeys and precious time.
02:58Lots of!"
02:58Next blow to one in right hand.
02:59There are 60
