KUALA LUMPUR: After more than a year, the stretch between the Masjid Jamek and Bandaraya LRT stations on the Ampang route has reopened.
During a site visit here on Saturday (Feb 17), Transport Minister Anthony Loke said structural repairs that caused the closure had since been repaired.
"Repair works were fully completed in December 2023 and tests carried out last month.
"The Land Public Transport Agency (Apad) is also satisfied with the repairs," he said at a press conference here on Saturday.
He explained that the structural damage was caused by construction works next to the track.
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"Passengers no longer need to take feeder buses to complete their journey along the route," he said.
Loke said that the ministry would continue monitoring the area as construction works were still ongoing next to the station.
He added that the construction project was not under their control and under the Kuala Lumpur City Hall's (DBKL) jusrisdiction.
"If the project proceeds, we need to set strict conditions so none of these issues will recur," he said.
Loke advised local authorities to ensure that any development near public transport, especially rail stations, had to take into account safety factors.
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"Before any approval is given, Apad and Prasarana will need to be involved as any structural damages can affect operations adversely," he said.
He also said that Prasarana would claim compensation from the developers concerned for the damage.
"Prasarana is seeking RM38mil in compensation from the developer.
"This involves repair costs and that for providing feeder bus services," he said.
In January 2023, the LRT service along the Ampang route suspended due to a kinked track alignment near the Bandaraya station.
Rapid Rail then closed the stretch between the Masjid Jamek and Bandaraya stations for safety purposes, forcing LRT passengers to use alternatives, including buses, to complete their journeys.
