KUALA LUMPUR: A broken window on the Padang Besar-Butterworth KTM Komuter Utara service, which went viral on social media yesterday, was caused by vandalism, Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) has confirmed.
In a statement today, KTMB said Train No. 2951 was struck by an unidentified object thrown from outside about 6pm yesterday while travelling between Arau and Kodiang, shattering a window on the left side of its second coach.
“KTMB took immediate action after being alerted by the train driver, clearing the affected coach and restricting passenger access to it as a safety measure.
“KTMB auxiliary police personnel were also deployed to help manage passenger movement and ensure the situation inside the affected coach remained under control,” it said.
The train resumed its journey at 6.21pm, 21 minutes behind schedule.
The train set was subsequently taken out of service and held at Bukit Tengah Depot for inspection and replacement of the damaged window before returning to passenger service the following day.
KTMB said it had lodged a police report.
It said acts of vandalism against railway assets were taken seriously, warning that throwing stones at moving trains could endanger the lives of passengers and train crew.
Throwing stones at trains is an offence under Section 132 of the Land Public Transport Act 2010 (Act 715), punishable by a fine of up to RM25,000, imprisonment for up to 10 years, or both upon conviction.
Section 128 of the same Act covers offences involving damage to railway property, with penalties varying according to the nature of the offence.
KTMB urged the public to refrain from acts that could endanger railway operations and to alert the authorities if they witnessed suspicious activity.