SEPANG: The long-awaited LRT3 line is set to begin operations by the end of this month, says Anthony Loke.
The Transport Minister assured the public that ongoing trial operations had run smoothly without issue ahead of the LRT’s launch.
“All trials operations have been completed and we are confident that LRT3 is ready to be launched by the end of this month.
“The exact date for the LRT3’s launch will be announced sometime in the next two weeks,” he said in a press conference after chairing a Road Safety Council of Malaysia (MKJR) annual general meeting on Monday (June 15).
The Shah Alam Line, which began construction in 2017, is expected to improve Klang Valley connectivity but has had its completion date pushed back several times over the last two years.
During a speech at MJKR’s meeting earlier, Loke also announced that RM30,000 would be allocated to each state MJKR to strengthen road safety efforts at state and community levels.
“RM30,000 will be channelled to each of the state MKJRs to support their operational needs and strengthen the implementation of road safety programmes,” he said.
He also announced that the Safe School Zone pilot project is currently being carried out at 14 schools nationwide to further reduce the risk of traffic accidents involving students near schools.
“The project focuses on improving speed management and road safety infrastructure around schools such as raised pedestrian crossings, road narrowing, and many other areas.
“The goal is to encourage behavioural change in drivers near schools through self-enforcing infrastructure and is expected to benefit nearly 20,000 students and school community members for now,” he said.
He also added that plans to expand the project to more schools are also underway.
On the proposed Malaysia Transport Safety Board (MTSB), Loke said development of the bill to establish MTSB was on track but would not be tabled in the upcoming Parliament session.
“The MTSB has received the Cabinet’s approval to be established but we are currently still discussing the responsibilities and legal framework surrounding MTSB,” he said.
In the meantime, Loke said existing ministry expertise and investigative departments will continue to investigate any accidents involving road, rail, aviation and maritime transport until the MTSB’s establishment.
