THE MRT service was brought to a sudden stop today when a lightning strike tripped the circuit breaker of the platform safety system, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded.

Some were stranded for more than two hours as they were travelling from the Sg Buloh MRT station.

The MRT line covers 31 stops from Sg Buloh to Kajang.

Frustrated with the delays, many took to social media to claim there were no proper announcements made prior to boarding.

RapidKL hotline told The Malaysian Insight it was unsure how long repair works would last.

“The technicians are still working on it. We will give updates on our Twitter account,” said the hotline operator. 

MRT users bombarded MRT’s twitter account asking for updates.

Joycelyn Chu (@JoycelynChu) said the train took 40 minutes from Bandar Utama station to Phileo Damansara.

“It’s no longer waiting time. It’s tripled. Totally misleading, 40 mins for two stops. Guys, run! Do not take the MRT today,” she said.

William said it took him almost two hours to get from Sungai Buloh station to TTDI station.

Another user by the name of Amir Jamaludin expressed dissatisfaction the announcement (of a delay) was only done after passengers boarded the train.

MyRapid, the operator of MRT in a tweet, told passengers to be prepared for longer travelling hours.

The MRT Sungai Buloh Kajang (SBK) line connects Sungai Buloh (northwest of KL) and Kajang (southeast of KL) through its 51km route.

It comprises of a 41.5km elevated guideway with 24 stations and 9.5km tunnel segment with seven underground stations. 

The MRT SBK Line also integrates seven locations/stations with existing rail lines and 16 stations equipped with park & ride facilities.

The MRT service is one of the mega projects build under Prime Minister Najib Razak’s leadership.

The project was fully operated last July and constructed at a cost of RM21 billion, below the budget of RM23 billion. – March 16, 2018.