KUALA LUMPUR: The government is considering heavier penalties for those involved in cable theft, says Nga Kor Ming.
The Housing and Local Government Minister said the government, through the Home Ministry, is looking at possibly amending the laws in this regard.
ALSO READ: Cable theft triggers delays on MRT Putrajaya Line
"The issue of cable theft is being viewed very seriously by the Cabinet.
"This is due to the frequent cases of our public transit systems like LRT and MRT experiencing issues, not due to operational failure, but because cables are being stolen by syndicates.
"This (push for heavier penalties) is to ensure the safety and well-being of the people is safeguarded," he said during Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat on Monday (Oct 5).
Nga also reminded the public that accepting stolen cables is also a crime and that those caught would face appropriate punishment.
ALSO READ: Man electrocuted while attempting to steal power cables in Klang
Datuk Mumtaz Md Nawi (PN-Tumpat) wanted to know about the government’s efforts to crack down on and deter cable theft.
This followed frequent reports of cable thefts from LRT and MRT lines, with the most recent resulting in a power disruption to the MRT Putrajaya Line on Sunday (Oct 4).
