Cable theft suspected behind major MRT Putrajaya line disruption

A MAJOR service disruption on the MRT Putrajaya line since early Friday morning is believed to have been caused by cable theft near Kuchai station, rail operator Rapid Rail Sdn Bhd confirmed.

In a statement released at 1.36pm, Rapid Rail said initial investigations suggested the signalling system failure was due to the theft of communication cables.

“Results of onsite preliminary investigation found that the theft activities happened near Kuchai Station, where piles of cables that have been cut were also found near the station’s area,” the company said.

Rapid Rail said it is working closely with MRT Corporation, the line’s asset owner, and the police to conduct a comprehensive investigation and to prevent similar incidents from recurring.

The operator’s technical team, assisted by external experts, is carrying out extensive repair and restoration works to stabilise operations as soon as possible.

The disruption continues to affect services along the entire Putrajaya line, which runs from Kwasa Damansara to Putrajaya Sentral. As a safety measure, trains are currently being operated manually, resulting in slower movement and longer stops at each station. Train frequency has been reduced to between 20 and 30 minutes.

“To ensure passenger comfort, free shuttle feeder buses have been deployed, and auxiliary police and station staff are on hand at platforms, lobbies, and bus stops to assist,” Rapid Rail said.

Commuters have been advised to plan their journeys in advance and consider alternative routes.

Earlier this morning, Rapid KL provided travel alternatives for affected passengers, including the use of connecting LRT and Monorail lines:

* Passengers at Titiwangsa may use the LRT Ampang/Sri Petaling Line or Monorail.

* At Ampang Park, the LRT Kelana Jaya Line is available.

* At TRX, the MRT Kajang Line may be used.

* At Chan Sow Lin and Sungai Besi, the LRT Ampang/Sri Petaling Line serves as an option.

Those travelling to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) have been advised to take the ERL service either from Bandar Tasik Selatan or KL Sentral.

Rapid Rail expressed appreciation for passengers’ patience and apologised for the inconvenience caused, assuring that every effort is being made to restore normal operations promptly.

The disruption comes just a day before the 47th ASEAN Summit officially begins in Kuala Lumpur, prompting concerns over transport congestion in the capital. - October 25, 2025