PUTRAJAYA – A total of 23 proposed improvements should be executed as soon as possible by Prasarana Malaysia Bhd and Rapid Rail Sdn Bhd, as the owner and operator of the light rail transit system, following the May 24 collision between two trains on the Kelana Jaya line.
Transport Minister Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong said the proposals presented by the investigation committee probing into the crash involve five recommendations to be implemented within three months, 11 between three and six months, and seven for the period beyond six months.
“The ministry will periodically audit the progress of these improvements,” he told a virtual press conference today to announce the panel’s findings.
In the 8.33pm incident last month, an LRT train with no passengers on board collided with another carrying 213 commuters in the tunnel between the Kg Baru and KLCC stations.
With regard to the short-term improvements, Wee said two hostlers will be assigned to handle each train manually while in a tunnel, with the second hostler acting as a safety and compliance officer.
High-powered flashlights must be provided to these hostlers, and a checklist prepared for use by them and operations control centres (OCCs) during manual operations and critical situations.
Prasarana must set up a sighting committee to perform audits on directional signs or track markers, and establish a safety panel to report audits to the Prasarana and Rapid Rail senior management for review and monitoring.
Wee said in three to six months, Prasarana needs to implement measures including a technical evaluation of the standard operating procedures for the manual operation of trains in tunnels.
It must also evaluate the communication system and present suggestions for the necessary improvements, as well as enhance OCCs’ operational SOPs.
Wee said Prasarana and Rapid Rail’s communication plan SOPs need to bolstered, and updates made to the OCC and hostler rule books and manuals.
A job safety analysis for each staffer is required, including employees in the “safety critical position” category.
The seven long-term improvements involve periodic training and recertification courses to maintain the efficiency of OCCs and hostlers, a risk assessment on the installation of the stanchion in trains’ vestibule, and simulations to test the existing and updated SOPs.
It is also necessary to conduct a study and evaluation of Prasarana and Rapid Rail train systems’ RAMS, or reliability, availability, maintainability and safety, and improve the electronic tracking system to ensure trains can be detected from long distances in the event of a “time-out”.
“We want Prasarana’s top management to look into this report. We want urgent attention, immediate action, to ensure the safety of train operations,” said Wee.
On compensation for and court action by crash victims, he said such matters are being handled by Prasarana and the insurance company involved.
“Everyone has the right to make a claim after an incident. That is something we have never shied away from, and we will face it.” – Bernama, June 10, 2021
