[UPDATED] Expect Kelana Jaya LRT line disruptions until Q3 2023: Loke

KUALA LUMPUR – Passengers who utilise the Kelana Jaya Light Rail Transit (LRT) line can expect service disruptions up to the third quarter of next year (Q3 2023), Transport Minister Anthony Loke said. 

Speaking at a press conference, he said this is because at present, only 38 of the overall 56 train sets are operating, with the remaining 18 sets currently under maintenance. 

This has forced the frequency of trains during peak hours to be at five minutes compared to the targeted three-minute interval per train. 

Loke said maintenance works on the trains will only be fully completed by Q3 2023, although some are expected to return to service earlier. 

The minister added that while Prasarana Malaysia Bhd has placed an order for 19 new units of four-car train sets to improve the service along the Kelana Jaya line, its first unit is only expected to begin operation in August next year. 

“At the moment, we know that there are a lot of technical issues almost on a daily basis, be it a power trip or problems with the automated alarm system, forcing the trains to be stopped,” he said today after attending a meeting with Prasarana’s top management. 

“It is true that for now, the service is not yet stable. I apologise that for the next few months, there will still be disruptions to the service from time to time.

“Hopefully, the service will be more stable by the third quarter of 2023. I would like to give my commitment that I am giving serious attention to the Kelana Jaya line issue and I will monitor it personally.”

Loke added that Prasarana is currently planning major full maintenance for the overall LRT system, including for its power generators and signalling, to ensure a better and safer service. 

His comment comes just days after he made a surprise visit to the Kelana Jaya line on Monday evening to see for himself the congestion experienced by commuters during rush hour.

Acknowledging overcapacity and poor frequency of trains during peak hours, forcing long queues and waiting times, Loke said Prasarana should never be satisfied with its service and must always strive to improve.  

Last month, a series of disruptions along the Kelana Jaya line forced Prasarana to suspend LRT services at 16 stations for a week, affecting hundreds of thousands of passengers. 

Loke said Prasarana has submitted an interim report of an independent investigation conducted by WSP Engineering Sdn Bhd to the Transport Ministry over the incident, which will be presented to the cabinet soon. 

He said the full report is only expected to be completed in two weeks time. 

“I have asked Prasarana to make public the report once it is completed, so everyone will know the reason behind the disruption that caused 16 stations to close, and the actions that will be taken to make services optimal.”

Separately, Loke said he took note of the poor and broken facilities in LRT, Mass Rapid Transit, and monorail stations and has ordered for immediate action to be taken to make improvements. 

Among others, he said 16 lifts at monorail stations are currently not functioning, while 46 of the 706 escalators in rail stations are also not operating.

Meanwhile, Loke said he has instructed the Transport Ministry’s Land Transport Division to expand the scope of its audit committee to cover all forms of public transportation and not just focus on the LRT. 

“This will ensure that any arising issues within the public transportation system can be addressed, be it the rail system itself, the stations, walkways, escalators, and lifts.” – The Vibes, December 8, 2022