THE first phase of repairs to the Ampang line LRT structure near its Bandaraya station is expected to be completed in two weeks, said Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook.

He said the repairs will be done by Prasarana Malaysia Bhd along with an appointed consultant. 

“The repairs will involve two phases, with the short phase taking two weeks to ensure the structure is safe to use. The long(-term) phase is to ensure the structure is stable,” he said after opening Infinity Logistics & Transport Sdn Bhd’s new warehouse in Port Klang today. 

Loke said the structural damage affects the Bandaraya and Masjid Jamek stations, which will be reopened once the tracks are safe for use. 

“We have no other choice as these are safety issues. I apologise to the passengers. I will monitor the progress of the repair work,” he added. 

It was reported that the LRT service on the Ampang-Sri Petaling route was disrupted last January 27 over safety factors after a kink in the track alignment was found near the Bandaraya station.

Rapid Rail in a Facebook post said preliminary checks found that the delay in the LRT service was caused by damage to the flyover structure carrying the rail tracks, due to construction work adjacent to the area.

Meanwhile, Loke said the ministry fully supports the concept of a special route or “blue lane” for motorcyclists to reduce road crashes and fatalities. 

However, he said, it would involve a large investment, especially if implemented on highways and state roads. 

Loke was responding to a report by road safety experts who recommended special lanes for motorcyclists to reduce the number of road crashes and fatalities. – Bernama, February 1, 2023.