KTM ETS, Komuter Utara facing over 1hr delay today due to cable theft between Kamunting, Padang Rengas

Take note, KTM users. The train operator has announced that there’s a delay of over 60 minutes over the normal schedule for the ETS and Komuter Utara services.

This significant delay is due to a a signalling system issue, caused by cable theft on the tracks between Kamunting and Padang Rengas in Perak. KTM is working to repair the system and get it back to normal, and apologises for the inconvenience. For assistance, contact station staff.

In November, it was revealed that cable theft caused over 1,300 hours of delay across the KTM network in 2025. That’s a combination of 562 hours of delays to the ETS and 741 hours for the KTM Komuter. Transport minister Anthony Loke said the thefts disrupted KTM’s signalling system — which controls train movements — resulting in operational delays and significant time loss for passengers.

From January to August 2025, 104 cases of cable theft were reported across Kedah, Penang, Perak, Selangor, Negri Sembilan, Pahang and Kuala Lumpur, with no cases recorded in Perlis, Melaka, Johor or Kelantan. In 2024, a total of 150 cases were reported, Loke revealed in the Dewan Rakyat then.

Over in the Klang Valley, it was revealed in December that Prasarana – which operates the LRT, MRT and Monorail lines – incurred losses of RM20.6 million in the past three years due to cable theft. It said that cable theft cases are increasing. In 2024, 41 cases were recorded, but there have been 69 cases in 2025 which is a 68% increase.

This unfortunate trend is spurred by demand and the market price of the cables, specifically the copper inside, which makes it lucrative to syndicates. Everyone else, from the train operators to us commuters, lose.