SEPANG: The long-awaited Shah Alam LRT, formerly known as LRT3, is set to begin operations by the end of this month, says Anthony Loke (pic).
The Transport Minister assured the public that ongoing trial operations had run smoothly without issues ahead of the launch, following years of delays.
“All trial operations have been completed and we are confident that the LRT is ready to be launched.
“The exact date will be announced sometime over the next two weeks,” he said at a press conference after chairing the 62nd annual general meeting of the Road Safety Council of Malaysia (MKJR) here yesterday.
The Shah Alam Line, which began construction in 2017, is expected to improve rail network connectivity in the Klang Valley, 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 channeled to each of the state MKJRs to support their operational needs and strengthen the implementation of road safety programmes,” he said.
Loke also announced 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 invoke 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, adding that plans to expand the project to more schools are also underway.
On the proposed Malaysia Transport Safety Board (MTSB), Loke said while the development of the Bill to establish MTSB is on track, it will not be tabled in the upcoming Parliament session.
“MTSB has received the Cabinet’s approval to be set up, but we are currently still discussing the responsibilities and legal framework surrounding MTSB,” he said.
In the meantime, Loke said existing ministry expertise and regulatory departments will continue to investigate any accidents involving road, rail, aviation and maritime transport until MTSB’s establishment.
