On the record: Loke (right) speaking during an interview with 988’s Morning Up at Menara Star, Petaling Jaya. — YAP CHEE HONG/The Star
PETALING JAYA: The long-delayed LRT3 Shah Alam Line is expected to begin operations by June at the latest, says Transport Minister Anthony Loke.
While asset owner Prasarana Malaysia Bhd has set a conservative timeline of June to allow for a buffer period, Loke expressed confidence that the line could be ready as early as April.
Speaking on 988’s Morning Up radio show here yesterday, Loke explained that the delay from the original Oct 31 target last year was necessary to ensure passenger safety through rigorous fault-free run (FFR) testing.
“The most critical test is the FFR, where each train set must travel at least 4,000km without a single failure or technical glitch.
“Unfortunately, during tests in November and December, we encountered software and signalling issues, such as trains not stopping with precise alignment at platform gates or false emergency signals,” he said.
“Whenever a fault occurs, even after several thousand kilometres, the test must be reset to zero.”
Loke noted that the first batch of the line’s 20-plus trains has now passed the FFR, with subsequent batches currently undergoing testing.
“Once the FFR and final trial runs are complete, we can begin operations. While Prasarana is cautious and estimates June, I am pushing for an earlier date, possibly by April,” he added.
Loke also affirmed the government’s commitment to curb overloading on the roads.
Acknowledging complaints from the logistics industry about rising costs, Loke stressed that road safety remains non-negotiable and that strict enforcement is necessary to “reset” the industry’s culture.
He said the current reliance on overloading to compete on price has created a vicious cycle that actually hurts operators’ bottom lines by driving up maintenance costs and incurring fines.
“The mindset is that if one company follows the law while others overload to cut costs, the compliant company loses out.
“This is an unhealthy trend. We must enforce the law strictly across the board to change this culture. When everyone complies, the playing field becomes level.
“When no one can overload to undercut competitors, transportation rates will naturally adjust upwards, and this correction ensures fair rates without destroying vehicles or compromising safety,” he said.
Loke acknowledged the anger among drivers but dismissed complaints that the crackdown was too sudden, noting that the laws had long existed but were often ignored.
“Some ask for more time, but accidents don’t wait. If I compromise now, operators will think the government isn’t serious.
“We must be firm to show this isn’t just talk,” he said, adding that the ministry is also moving beyond just weight inspections, such as implementing new measures, such as telematics to monitor driver behaviour, signs of fatigue and speed.
“We cannot compromise on safety. If we give in, the entire enforcement effort fails and the public loses confidence in our ability to keep roads safe.”
Loke, who later in the day launched the My50 Savings Tracker and the digitalisation of Rapid Kota & Rapid Kembara passes at the Ampang Park LRT station in Kuala Lumpur, said the government is now introducing a new feature for My50 travel pass users to help them get the most value out of their monthly pass.
“Every time users use My50 for our public transport services, whether rail or bus, their journeys will be recorded.
“If their recorded journeys have not yet reached the RM50 value, they will be notified how much more is needed to reach the break-even point.
“This encourages users to use our services wisely so that their payment is worthwhile. We do not want them to use less than RM50 in value.
“Instead, we encourage them to make as many trips as possible so that public transport becomes their main mode of transport,” said Loke.
He added that these enhancements, along with others, provide extra convenience as regular My50 users no longer need to queue each month to renew their travel passes, as the process can be completed via the Touch N’ Go eWallet.
