KUALA LUMPUR – The collision involving two light rail transit trains on the Kelana Jaya line on Monday night shook the nation.
It is the first time in the rail service’s 23 years that such an incident has taken place.
The crash injured 213 people, six of them critically, with three requiring ventilator support as of yesterday.
Transport Minister Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong told a press conference yesterday that the LRT operators involved in the collision have been suspended from their duties, pending a full investigation into the incident and in line with standard operating procedures set by the ministry.
Meanwhile, the Public Transport Users’ Association (4PAM) is calling for public transport operator Prasarana Malaysia Bhd chairman Datuk Seri Tajuddin Abdul Rahman to resign over the incident.
Citizens who shared similar sentiments have taken to social media to express outrage over the crash and call for Tajuddin to step down.
However, he is adamant that he will not quit.
In a press conference yesterday, Tajuddin, who is also Pasir Salak MP, was in fiery mode when questioned by the media.
“You must know why (I wasn’t there). I just finished a company meeting in Subang. I found out quite late about what happened. At that time, I was preparing for my vaccination today. I’m going to have my second dose today, you know?
“Even then, when I found out, even though it was late, I said I would come first thing in the morning. Do you know what ‘first thing in the morning’ is? Can you speak English? ‘First thing in the morning’ shows how serious I am about this matter.
“I came down here in the morning and took a look at the tunnel and trains. So, please don’t provoke. It’s not good, provoking. The minister and CEO were here, everyone was here. Do you understand? I don’t like these provocations. What’s the use?”
He also announced that Prasarana will give a RM1,000 compensation to each of the 213 crash victims, and that the company will cover the medical costs of all hospitalised passengers until they are discharged. – The Vibes, May 26, 2021
