KUALA LUMPUR – Ampang LRT users will have to put up with the disruption between its Bandaraya and Masjid Jamek stations until September as the structural repairs will take up to seven months to complete.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke said two months are needed for work to strengthen the structure, while five months are for comprehensive repair work.
“This will take time as investigations showed that the structural damage poses a very serious safety risk,” said Loke in a press conference in Parliament today.
He added that Prasarana Malaysia Bhd will implement mitigating steps to avoid such disruptions in the future, and make sure users are comfortable at all times.
“When the Putrajaya MRT line opens in mid-March, commuters on the Ampang and Sri Petaling LRT line can use interchange stations such as Chan Sow Lin, Titiwangsa, and Sg Besi as alternatives.”
Previously, Ampang LRT operator Rapid Rail Sdn Bhd said preliminary observations indicated the structural damage to the flyover in the area was believed to be the result of construction work adjacent to the area concerned.
Services on the route between the Masjid Jamek and Bandaraya LRT stations have been discontinued temporarily.
When asked about the possible action against the developer, the minister said the repairs are priority.
“We have to bear the cost of the repairs first, as we cannot afford to wait for the compensation from legal action.
“However, once we get evidence, we reserve the right to take necessary legal action against them,” said Loke.
He added that he hopes the local authorities in charge of construction will consult the Land Public Transport Agency if their works are near any railway protection zones. – The Vibes, February 22, 2023
