Dr Wee: Improvements to Kelana Jaya LRT line being made in line with probe committee's findings

PETALING JAYA: Recommended improvements to the Kelana Jaya Light Rail Transit (LRT) line have been implemented following the collision that injured dozens on May 24.

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong said in a Facebook post on Thursday (Sept 23) that the improvements were implemented as part of the findings by the Transport Ministry's investigation committee.

"I can report that Prasarana Malaysia Berhad has fully implemented the five short-term measures for the immediate improvement of the LRT Kelana Jaya Line operations as part of the 23 initiatives recommended by the Transport Ministry (MOT) investigation committee," he said.

Among the listed short-term measures included the posting of two hostlers (drivers), with one acting as a safety and compliance officer during all manual operations within tunnels; and improving the checklists used by hostlers and the Operation Control Centre (OCC) during manual operation and in critical situations.

A committee has also been set up to perform audits on track markers.

"I am also satisfied to note that Prasarana is continuously driving Rapid Rail to perform further additional enhancement works," he said.

These include weekly emergency response exercises to train for failure scenarios, and increasing the frequency of competency training for hostlers and control executives, in addition to other proficiency training.

"Rapid Rail is also making good progress on the 11 medium-term recommendations, which are to be implemented within three to six months.

"Approximately 73% of the relevant works have been completed and expected to meet the Dec 9 deadline.

"As for the remaining seven long-term measures, Prasarana is working with its stakeholders and relevant authorities such as the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) to implement them progressively as some require additional investment and technical expertise from various quarters.

"At all times, MOT is committed to working with our agencies and partners in providing and maintaining safe, secure, and convenient travel options in the country’s public transportation system," Dr Wee said.

On May 24, a train under manual control that was undergoing testing had run into another train that was carrying 213 passengers between the underground KLCC and Kampung Baru stations.

The incident left 47 people severely injured and 166 others with light injuries.