BEIJING — A string of cable thefts along the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) track has raised alarm, with Malaysia Rail Link (MRL) CEO Datuk Seri Darwis Abdul Razak warning the incidents could delay crucial system testing set for June 2026.

The thefts, reported in areas across Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, and Selangor, are increasing costs and risking the project’s completion deadline of December 2026. MRL has filed police reports and is boosting on-site security, including hiring a dedicated security firm.

Darwis urged stronger cooperation from authorities and local communities, highlighting the project’s national significance. He plans to meet with the Home Minister and police in affected states to address the issue.

As of May, the ECRL is 83.38% complete. Installation of communication and signalling systems is underway, with 38 tunnels bored and land acquisition for the main track fully completed. The first EMU trains from China are expected by year-end, ahead of operations starting in early 2027.