Malaysia’s East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project, set to be completed by December 2026, is facing a troubling wave of thefts that could threaten its progress. Over 1,200 metres of signalling cables and 81 outdoor transformer units have been reported stolen along the railway’s alignment, raising concerns about potential delays to its scheduled testing phase in mid-2026.
Malaysia Rail Link (MRL) Sdn Bhd, the project owner, confirmed that these incidents occurred at no fewer than seven sites across Pahang, Terengganu and Kelantan. The thefts primarily targeted metal-containing signalling cables and key infrastructure, even though fibre optic cables, which are said to hold no scrap value, were also damaged and left behind. MRL chief executive Datuk Seri Darwis Abdul Razak said the stolen components were custom-made, and replacements could take up to six months to procure.
The thefts are a significant setback, especially as installation of the Communications, Information and Signalling (CIS) systems only began this March at the KotaSAS Station in Pahang. In response, MRL and the main contractor, China Communications Construction ECRL Project (CCCC-ECRL), are ramping up on-site security measures, including increased patrols, CCTV installation, and eventual fencing of ground-level tracks. CCCC-ECRL will bear the financial losses for now, as the project has yet to be handed over to the government.
MRL plans to work with state police chiefs and relevant ministries to tighten asset protection and engage stakeholders in the scrap collection sector to curb illegal resale of stolen components. The public has also been urged to report any suspicious activity along the alignment, which spans 665 km from the Klang Valley to the East Coast.
Despite the setbacks, the project has made notable progress, with overall completion at 82.45%. The ECRL is designed to support passenger trains running at 160 km/h and freight trains at 80 km/h, with full operations targeted for early 2027. However, officials warn that continued thefts could impact future operations, as Malaysia would be liable for half the operational losses under the current agreement.
Meanwhile, preparations for train operations are advancing. The first two sets of Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) passenger trains and two electric locomotives for cargo will be shipped from Dalian, China, to Malaysia in October 2025. The trains are being supplied by CRRC Dalian Locomotive & Rolling Stock Co. Ltd, which signed a contract with CCC-ECRL in 2022 to deliver a total of 11 EMUs and 12 locomotives.
CRRC Dalian vice-president Zhang Jian said all train sets will be fully tested before shipment, with each undergoing thousands of kilometres of trials upon arrival in Malaysia. The company will also provide full life cycle support, including servicing, maintenance, and technical training for local personnel, along with a two-year warranty.
