KUALA LUMPUR: The Transport Ministry is amending the Land Public Transport Act to increase penalties for cable theft, says Anthony Loke.
The Transport Minister said cable theft was a major problem that had been discussed repeatedly with the Home Ministry and other parties.
Such theft damaged train systems and posed significant safety risks to the public, he said.
“The draft Bill has been prepared and will be sent out for comments before being brought to the Cabinet for policy approval.
“If the Cabinet grants its policy approval, I am confident that the amendments will be tabled in Parliament during the first sitting next year to increase the penalties for cable thieves, including imprisonment and other punishments,” he said during the ministry’s winding-up session for Budget 2027 in the Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday (Oct 27).
He was responding to Datuk Dr Radzi Jidin (PN-Putrajaya), who raised concerns over recurring cable theft affecting public transport infrastructure, including MRT and ERL services.
Meanwhile, the ministry is proposing specific provisions in the Road Transport Act 1987 to require offenders convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs to compensate victims or their next of kin.
Loke said that although Section 426 of the Criminal Procedure Code already provided for compensation, the proposed provisions would make it an additional punishment alongside existing fines and imprisonment.
He said the ministry acknowledged the challenges of collecting compensation from offenders who lacked the financial means to pay, and was exploring suitable mechanisms to ensure victims and their families remained protected.
“The proposal would cover cases resulting in death, serious injury or permanent disability, with the amount of compensation determined by the court based on the facts, evidence and circumstances of each case.
“Compensation ordered against offenders would be separate from insurance payouts, and victims or their next of kin would retain the right to seek compensation from the offender’s insurer through civil proceedings,” he said.
