SPAD urges Prasarana to adopt stricter maintenance regime

PETALING JAYA: The Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) has directed Prasarana to adopt a more stringent maintenance and inspection regime, as well as higher service and safety standards.
SPAD explained in a statement that such a move will enable the operator to identify problems early, before they result in service disruptions and delays to commuters.
The recommendation came following the recent announcement by Rapid Rail Sdn Bhd that it has grounded several four-car trains last Friday following the identification of safety concerns.
"Although the commission is aware that the suspension of those trains are necessary in the interest of passenger safety, we will closely monitor current remedial actions undertaken by Rapid Rail to ensure that commuters continue to receive reliable services.
"At the same time, we have requested for Prasarana to submit regular updates of faults detected in the KL Monorail network through their routine maintenance which includes rectification plans and specific timelines for greater oversight and to ensure timely and appropriate actions are taken," the commission said.
The commission added that they have urged Scomi, the train manufacturer, to continue to cooperate and fast track the delivery of the remaining 7-sets of new four-car trains.
"This is to ensure more frequent trains are available and to improve the capacity of the current KL Monorail fleet to support higher passenger volume at any one time, particularly during peak hours," it said.