Kuala lumpur: Prasarana Malaysia Bhd has been urged to give more serious attention to technical and maintenance issues to ensure train service disruptions are minimised, according to the Ministry of Transport (MOT).
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Transport Minister Anthony Loke stated that the recent disruptions present a significant challenge to the government's efforts to promote public transportation use, as they undermine consumer confidence. Loke highlighted the frustration caused by frequent disruptions, emphasizing the need for immediate improvement.
Loke explained that the disruptions are largely due to unforeseen technical incidents, such as failures in critical components like signalling systems and switches, which impact station operations and train services. He cited the malfunction of a 'switch' system as an example of how technical failures can disrupt services.
In response, the MOT has directed Prasarana to enhance maintenance and system monitoring to ensure rail services are more secure and reliable. Loke stressed the importance of addressing technical issues to provide a more reliable service.
Furthermore, Loke announced Prasarana's campaign to promote rail service usage, aiming to help people manage the rising cost of living. This includes the My50 Unlimited Travel Monthly Pass, offering significant savings to public transport users in the Klang Valley. Priced at RM50, this pass offers unlimited use over 30 days at a 67% discount from its actual value.
Currently, 40% of users have taken advantage of the My50 pass, and the government hopes more Malaysians will utilize it. Loke emphasized that this initiative benefits both daily and periodic users by providing affordable access to workplaces and helping plan monthly expenses amidst rising fuel costs.
In addition to the My50 pass, Loke mentioned other travel passes like Rapid Kota and Rapid Keluarga. The Rapid Kota pass offers unlimited travel for RM10 for a one-day pass and RM25 for a three-day pass, catering to occasional users. The RM30 Rapid Keluarga pass allows unlimited group travel for up to four people on weekends and public holidays, supporting economical family trips in the Klang Valley.