Najib: 15 LRT power substations to be upgraded

PETALING JAYA: Upgrading work on 15 power substations along the Kelana Jaya LRT line will be commissioned and implemented.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said the proposed upgrade will extend the lifespan of the electrical systems and enable it to cater to fast-growing demands and future loads.

"This measure will take up to three to six months to complete," said Najib in a statement.

"Prasarana (Malaysia Bhd) will also gradually introduce its new trains on the Kelana Jaya Line by Nov 2016."

Najib said the new trains would enable it to cater for additional capacity, increased frequency and reduce congestion during the peak hours on weekdays.

He said this after meeting with Prasarana and Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) regarding the power failures that occurred during morning rush hour on Sept 7 and Sept 9.

Prasarana chief executive officer Datuk Azmi Abdul Aziz, who was at the meeting, briefed Najib that preliminary findings indicated that a power failure resulted in the disruption.

Najib added that SPAD highlighted the need for Prasarana to undertake a thorough assessment of its entire system as the Kelana Jaya line was nearing the 20-year mark.

"I instructed that an independent technical assessor be appointed by Prasarana to undertake this exercise and SPAD will take part in this audit to ensure compliance," he said.

Najib also directed Prasarana to thoroughly review its operations and strengthen its existing standard operating procedure to ensure it is able to cope with increasing demand.