Treat cable theft as threat to lives, not property crime — Lee Lam Thye

GEORGE TOWN: Cable theft must be treated as a serious public safety threat rather than a mere property crime, with stronger laws needed to protect critical infrastructure.

Alliance for a Safe Community chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said the theft of copper cables and signalling components could compromise safety-critical systems supporting rail services, electricity supply, and telecommunications.

He said enforcement efforts focused solely on arresting thieves were unlikely to provide lasting deterrence without tackling the wider networks enabling stolen materials to enter legitimate supply chains.

"Arresting foot soldiers alone rarely delivers lasting deterrence," he said today, stressing the need to address mechanisms through which stolen materials are disposed of and absorbed into the market.

Lee proposed targeted legal amendments to strengthen penalties and improve enforcement against those involved in cable theft and handling stolen infrastructure materials.

Among the measures he suggested were classifying cable theft involving rail, power and communications systems as a public safety offence, with penalties reflecting the potential risk to human life.

He also called for stronger enforcement powers against individuals and businesses knowingly involved in dealing in or facilitating the disposal of stolen infrastructure materials.

In addition, he proposed tighter licensing, auditing and compliance requirements for industries handling recyclable materials that could originate from critical infrastructure.

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"Such measures will recognise cable theft as a systemic crime with implications for national development, rather than an isolated property offence," he added.

Lee also urged Malaysia to explore international technologies and practices to improve infrastructure protection, including asset-identification and traceability systems that could help authorities identify recovered materials even after attempts to remove or destroy identifying marks.

He said industry players and regulators should study proven approaches overseas and adapt suitable solutions to local conditions, rather than relying exclusively on conventional enforcement methods.

Commenting on the Transport Minister's indication that discussions had been held with enforcement agencies and that efforts would be intensified, Lee said the commitment should translate into sustained, coordinated action.

Yesterday, Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the ministry was drafting legal amendments to impose tougher penalties on cable thieves, including longer jail terms and heavier fines.

He said the ministry was working with the Home Ministry to strengthen existing laws as cable theft continued to threaten rail operations and public safety.

Lee said cable theft affected multiple sectors, making cooperation among enforcement agencies, regulators and infrastructure operators essential to closing gaps that criminals could exploit.

He also stressed that operators such as Prasarana should be supported in taking proactive measures to safeguard passengers and infrastructure.

He said protecting public transport and other essential services was a shared responsibility involving operators, regulators, enforcement agencies, industry players and the public.

"Addressing cable theft decisively is not merely about preventing losses — it is about protecting lives, safeguarding public confidence and upholding good governance," he said.

Lee said Malaysia's progress depended on the integrity and resilience of its critical infrastructure, making decisive action against cable theft essential to national development.