by ANIS HAZIM / pic by TMR FILE

THE public transport commuters, especially the users of the light rail transit (LRT) in Kelana Jaya line have been asked to be patient with the extended waiting time as the trains are currently being fixed for safety purposes.

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong said that the railway system in Kelana Jaya has been operating for more than 26 years compared to other lines, and is in need of maintenance in its technology and equipment.

“I ask the public to be patient for these few months because we have to make a replacement for the train (in Kelana Jaya line),” Wee said at a press conference after the launch of Mass Rapid Transit Putrajaya Line Phase 1 on Thursday.

He noted that the current waiting time for LRT in Kelana Jaya line with the three minutes frequency has been extended to five minutes, while the five minutes frequency is extended to eight minutes.

These will mainly affect four stations on the Kelana Jaya route, namely KLCC, Masjid Jamek, Pasar Seni and KL Sentral.

“As the transport minister, I take note of all the feedback from the public which has been posted through social medias as well as those that have been reported in the media,” he said.

According to him, the process of repairing is delayed for several months due to the lack of equipment and supplies needed.

To note, the interim repairment progress is scheduled to be completed in August, while the whole repairment progress is expected to be completed in November.

“This is preventive maintenance to allow the trains to operate longer in the future,” he added.

As for the Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd’s (KTM) commuters, the transport minister said that the Klang Valley Double Track Phase 1 repair works will be completed early next year.

“When it is fully ready, we can shorten the frequency of waiting time for KTM commuters from 60 minutes to 30 minutes,” he further said.