Loke orders probe into, punitive action against Prasarana over LRT derailment

KUALA LUMPUR (May 29): Transport Minister Anthony Loke (pictured) has ordered authorities to launch an investigation and take maximum punitive action against Prasarana Malaysia Bhd following the LRT derailment incident earlier on Thursday.

In a statement, Loke said the Land Public Transport Agency (Apad) has already opened an investigation paper into the incident.

He added that a special task force has been formed to determine the cause of the derailment, with findings to be submitted to the Cabinet as soon as possible and made public thereafter.

Prasarana Malaysia Bhd, wholly-owned by the Minister of Finance (Incorporated), operates the Rapid KL public transport network in the Klang Valley through its subsidiaries Rapid Rail Sdn Bhd and Rapid Bus Sdn Bhd. The group runs the LRT, MRT and Monorail systems, as well as several bus services.

Earlier, a train operating on the Ampang and Sri Petaling LRT lines derailed while passing a track switch near Chan Sow Lin station, causing disruptions across several routes.

Rapid KL confirmed the incident, saying 25 passengers were on board at the time. All were safely evacuated in line with standard operating procedures and no injuries were reported.

The latest disruption adds to a series of service issues affecting Rapid KL’s rail network. On May 18, Kelana Jaya LRT line services were disrupted during peak hours after a technical fault left a train stranded, leading to commuter delays and frustration.

On Thursday, Loke reiterated that Prasarana’s board and management must not adopt a “business-as-usual” approach, stressing that accountability must be enforced at all levels.

“Safety and reliability standards for public transport cannot be compromised,” he said.

He added that the Prasarana board should take firm action, including dismissal where necessary, against any party found negligent, in order to restore public confidence in the rail system.

..........

EdgeProp brings you another month of data-driven insights, exclusive interviews, and market commentaries. Subscribe now for your free copy!