KUALA LUMPUR: Mitigation measures implemented by Rapid Rail Sdn Bhd have reduced service disruptions across the LRT and MRT networks, resulting in fewer incidents this year, says the Transport Minister.
Anthony Loke said that the system's reliability is measured using the Mean Kilometres Between Failures (MKBF) indicator.
"It is calculated based on the distance travelled by trains before a failure occurs that results in a delay of more than five minutes, using a 12-month moving average," Loke explained in a parliamentary written reply dated July 14.
He said that operational data shows an improvement over the last five years. As of May 2026, the MKBF for all LRT and MRT lines reached a record 930,000 kilometres, with only 12 service disruptions recorded so far this year. These statistics exclude monorail services.
Loke said that by comparison, the network recorded 28 disruptions with an MKBF of 790,000 km in 2025. 2024 saw 64 disruptions (330,300km MKBF), and 2023 recorded 111 disruptions (160,000 km MKBF). In 2022, the system had 177 disruptions and an MKBF of 90,000 km.
Loke was responding to a question from Shaharizukirnain Abdul Kadir (PN-Setiu), who had requested breakdown statistics over the past five years and details on the ministry's strategies to address them.
The minister outlined a multi-layered, three-tier mitigation strategy designed to keep Klang Valley's rail network resilient.
He said that the immediate focus is on rapid service restoration and passenger care. This includes activating emergency response procedures, deploying standby trains and feeder buses, and placing Transit Officers (TOs) on board for manual intervention. It also involves prompt on-site repairs, immediate post-incident component replacements, and continuous information updates for passengers.
Loke said to prevent repeat failures, the focus shifts to system optimisation. Rapid Rail is launching special engineering programmes to repair critical components, improving preventive maintenance schedules, and strengthening staff competency. Additionally, a Failure Review Panel (FRP) has been established to identify root causes and ensure corrective actions are enforced.
Future-proofing the network, he said, involves heavy infrastructure upgrades. Planned projects include the procurement of new train sets, comprehensive overhauls of ageing trains and critical systems, and upgrades to communication, signalling, and power networks. The operator will also transition to predictive maintenance technologies, install Platform Automatic Gates, and enhance passenger information systems.
Beyond internal upgrades, Loke acknowledged that external factors, specifically cable theft, have contributed to disruptions along the MRT Kajang and Putrajaya Lines. To combat this, Prasarana Malaysia Berhad and MRT Corporation Sdn Bhd are rolling out phased infrastructure improvements, including enhanced cable protection measures to secure rail assets and deter trespassing.
While the data highlights a major win for public transport reliability, the minister emphasised that the government remains vigilant.
"Overall, the implementation of these mitigation plans will continue to be closely monitored, evaluated, and refined from time to time," Loke said. "However, there is still room for further improvement, as even a single disruption causes inconvenience to passengers."
