By: Zaki Salleh
IPOH: Swift action by the Auxiliary Police of Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) successfully thwarted a cable theft attempt that could have disrupted train operations.
The incident occurred at about 4 pm on Monday, following information received from the Ipoh Station Manager regarding the condition of the tracks at KM181.9, Jalan Tun Perak here.
In a statement, KTMB said a team of its Auxiliary Police personnel was dispatched to the location to carry out an inspection.
Upon arrival, they encountered a man behaving suspiciously and attempting to pull out railway cables.
“Upon realising the presence of the officers, the suspect fled into a nearby forested area.
“Immediate assistance was called in, and a search operation was launched with additional personnel, including members of the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), amid heavy rain.
“Following the operation, a male suspect was located and arrested at about 4.30 pm near the railway tracks along with KTMB-owned cables,” the statement said.
The suspect was later handed over to the police and taken to the Ipoh District Police Headquarters for further action, while a police report was also lodged by the KTMB Auxiliary Police.
KTMB said its Auxiliary Police force will continue to intensify security patrols to ensure the safety of railway infrastructure and the smooth running of train services.
Meanwhile, the public is also urged to play a role by providing information if they notice any suspicious activities along railway tracks.
They may contact the KTMB Auxiliary Police Information Centre at 03-2263 1194 (24 hours) or inform the police for immediate action.
