GEORGE TOWN: The Transport Ministry is drafting legal amendments to impose tougher penalties on cable thieves, including longer jail terms and heavier fines.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the ministry was working with the Home Ministry to strengthen existing laws as cable theft continued to threaten rail operations and public safety.

"We are in the process of drafting amendments to the law. We are working with the Home Ministry to tighten the penalties," he told reporters after launching Penang's first electric bus here today.

Loke said details of the proposed amendments had yet to be finalised, with discussions still at the policy stage.