KUALA LUMPUR: After over two decades of operation, the Kuala Lumpur Monorail service is set for significant quality-of-life upgrades beginning with a fully functional platform automatic gate system (PAGS) by the end of this year, says Anthony Loke.
The Transport Minister said the automatic gates, which act as a barrier between the station platform and the rail tracks, at both the KL Sentral and Tun Sambanthan stations were now fully operational.
He said the Maharajalela, Hang Tuah, Imbi and Bukit Bintang stations are expected to have operational PAGS by the end of this month.
PAGS completion at the remaining five stations between Raja Chulan and Titiwangsa is due by the end of December.
“This marks a significant step in enhancing passenger safety on platforms, thereby reducing the risk of accidents.
“It is also expected to provide greater comfort and confidence for all passengers, including persons with disabilities (OKU),” he told a press conference at KL Sentral Monorail station on Tuesday (Nov 28).
The PAGS will cost RM6.5mil and operate in synchrony with train doors.
There will be three emergency exit doors as well as fixed screens at the ends of each platform as extra safety measures, according to Loke.
He said this was necessary amid the recent increase in incidents of users falling onto the monorail tracks at stations over the past two years.
“Of the 10 incidents since 2017, half occurred in the last two years alone, two last year and three so far this year," he said.
He added that a comprehensive enhancement project has also been planned for all 11 monorail stations by Prasarana Malaysia Berhad (Prasarana).
This will include the installation of new lifts, the repair of any non-functioning escalators, upgrades to CCTV surveillance systems and improvements to restroom facilities across all stations.
The new lifts and escalator repairs for all stations are expected to be completed by April and will cost approximately RM10mil, he added.
