KUALA LUMPUR: The public has been urged to stay away from the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) alignment following a series of cable theft and cable-cutting incidents in Selangor that could pose serious safety risks and disrupt ongoing testing and commissioning works.
China Communications Construction ECRL Sdn Bhd (CCCECRL), in a statement Thursday (Oct 1), said the incidents occurred over three consecutive days from Sept 27 to 29 as the ECRL underwent testing and commissioning ahead of its targeted commencement of operations in December this year.
It stressed that the ECRL alignment is an active testing area and is not open to the public, while railway systems, equipment, and cables along the alignment are either powered or undergoing live testing.
"Any unauthorised entry or interference with railway infrastructure therefore carries a serious risk of severe injury or electrocution," it said.
The company said cable theft and damage to railway infrastructure could also disrupt ongoing testing and commissioning works, as affected equipment would need to be inspected, repaired or replaced before testing could resume.
It said affected tests might also have to be repeated, adding that continued incidents could affect the project schedule and delay the planned commencement of operations.
CCCECRL has lodged police reports on recent incidents and is working with the relevant authorities on the investigations.
It also said security measures along the ECRL alignment have also been strengthened, with local authorities stepping up surveillance and monitoring in the affected areas as efforts continue to prevent further incidents and safeguard the ongoing testing and commissioning works.
"The public is urged not to enter restricted areas along the ECRL alignment or tamper with any railway infrastructure, cables or equipment.
"Anyone who notices suspicious people or activities along the alignment should report them immediately to the police or the nearest CCCECRL section office," it added. - Bernama
