Loke: Accessibility, Safety Upgrades Coming To LRT Stations

The absence of platform barriers at many Light Rail Transit (LRT) stations has been flagged as a safety concern, especially for passengers with disabilities.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the issue stems from older LRT stations being built without physical barriers between the platforms and train tracks. In contrast, newer MRT stations are fully equipped with safety systems that include these barriers.

To address the gap, Loke said operator Prasarana is now looking into adding platform barriers at older LRT stations. While they might not completely close the space between trains and platforms, the aim is to reduce risks by introducing some form of physical separation.

Loke however also admitted this won’t be a simple fix. Retrofitting existing stations would require a major redesign, involve high costs and take time to carry out.

He was speaking in the Dewan Rakyat in response to a question from Khairil Nizam Khirudin (PN Jerantut), who brought up the tragic death of a visually impaired man who fell onto the tracks and was struck by a train at the Wangsa Maju LRT station in Feb.

As a short-term solution, auxiliary police officers have been deployed at key stations. These personnel are specially trained to be more alert and responsive to the needs of disabled passengers, helping to prevent similar accidents.

Loke also stressed that the government remains committed to making public transport safer and more accessible for everyone. That includes ongoing upgrades to facilities for people with disabilities and the installation of lifts at older and rural KTM stations.

He added that rail operators continue to train their frontline staff to provide assistance with professionalism, efficiency, and empathy, ensuring passengers with special needs are treated with care and respect.

Source: MalayMail