PETALING JAYA: The Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah has expressed his appreciation for the newly launched LRT3 Shah Alam Line rail service.
He described it as a major boost to public transport and the quality of life for the people after travelling on it for more than an hour.
His Royal Highness boarded a train from Bandar Utama station in Petaling Jaya at about 10.45am on Monday (July 13).
He arrived at the Johan Setia station in Klang about an hour later to experience the LRT3 services firsthand.
Accompanying His Royal Highness were the Tengku Permaisuri of Selangor Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin and the Raja Muda of Selangor Tengku Amir Shah.
In a statement by Istana Alam Shah, His Royal Highness congratulated Prasarana Malaysia Berhad and all parties involved for successfully delivering the rail line.
He added that it would greatly benefit residents of Shah Alam, Klang and surrounding areas.
His Royal Highness said he was grateful that the long-awaited public transport project had finally become a reality. He noted it would help ease traffic congestion and provide a more efficient, comfortable and sustainable transport system.
Sultan Sharafuddin also expressed hope that the line would eventually be completed as originally planned. He stated that rail services were an important public transport facility for the people.
His Royal Highness said he looked forward to the completion of the five deferred stations, namely Tropicana, Temasya, Raja Muda, Bukit Raja and Bandar Botanik.
He said these stations would benefit many residents in the surrounding areas.
Sultan Sharafuddin praised the patience shown by Selangor residents throughout the project's delays, saying he believes there are God's messages behind the setbacks.
The Selangor Sultan also conveyed his highest appreciation to Prasarana, MRCB and those involved in the construction and operation of the line.
His Royal Highness was informed that more than 13,000 people contributed their expertise and commitment throughout the project.
An average of 8,000 workers were deployed at various sites during the development that took almost 11 years.
The workforce comprised project directors, engineers, supervisors, technicians, skilled workers, construction personnel, safety officers, logistics teams, administrative staff and support personnel.
This included both Malaysians and foreign workers.
"Although the stations, tracks and trains are the visible outcome of the project, His Majesty said its true success lay in the dedication, professionalism and commitment of the more than 13,000 individuals who made it possible," the statement quoted him as saying.
The Sultan of Selangor expressed hope that Prasarana would continue to ensure smooth operations while minimising service disruptions.
He urged the public to make full use of the LRT3 service to encourage greater use of public transport. He said this would help build a modern, sustainable and high-quality mobility system for the future.
Apart from media personnel, officials from Prasarana, MRCB and other agencies also joined the train ride. Bernama chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai and his wife Datin Seri Florence Wong were also present.
