KUALA LUMPUR: Two cable theft incidents within hours of each other along the airport rail corridor have disrupted KLIA Ekspres and KLIA Transit services, resulting in longer journeys and schedule changes.
The thefts, which occurred between Sunday night and early today, involved about 260 metres of signalling cables along the railway line between Putrajaya and Salak Tinggi.
Express Rail Link Sdn Bhd (ERL), which operates both services, said the first incident was detected around 9pm yesterday near kilometre marker Km44, along the railway line between Putrajaya and Cyberjaya Station and Salak Tinggi Station.
The theft involved approximately 180 metres of signalling cables, comprising two 90-metre sections.
However, while technical teams were carrying out restoration works, a second act of vandalism was discovered at 5.22am today at KM42.
This time, another 80 metres of signalling cables, comprising two 40-metre sections, had been stolen.
The back-to-back incidents further complicated restoration efforts and disrupted normal train operations along the airport rail link.
"The incidents have extended restoration works and disrupted normal train operations," ERL said in a statement.
Following the disruptions, ERL initially introduced shuttle train services, requiring passengers travelling between KL Sentral and Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminals 1 and 2 to change trains at Putrajaya and Cyberjaya Station.
Under the temporary arrangement, trains operated at 15-minute intervals, with services departing KL Sentral for Putrajaya and Cyberjaya from 8.55am.
Services from KLIA Terminal 2 towards Putrajaya and Cyberjaya began at 9.05am.
ERL said train operations then resumed as a combined service at 11.20am, with trains running in both directions at 20-minute intervals.
However, technical teams were still working to fully restore the affected signalling system.
"Our technical teams are currently working to restore the system safely and as quickly as possible," it said.
ERL advised passengers using KLIA Ekspres and KLIA Transit services to factor in additional travelling time and plan their journeys accordingly.
"Passengers are advised to allow additional travel time and plan their journeys accordingly.
"We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused and appreciate the patience and understanding of all affected passengers," it said.
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