A RECENT incident at the Abdullah Hukum LRT station, where a passenger fell onto the tracks, has renewed concerns over commuter safety and prompted fresh calls for urgent action to install platform screen doors at older stations.
MCA National Youth Deputy Chairman Mike Chong said Transport Minister Anthony Loke must clarify whether any progress has been made since the government announced in August 2025 that the matter would be studied.
“Loke must clarify whether any progress has been made following his announcement that the installation of platform screen doors would be studied,” Chong said.
More than six months have passed since the announcement, yet Chong noted that there has been no visible progress, despite repeated safety concerns and prior incidents at the rail network.
He pointed to past tragedies, including a fatal case at Titiwangsa LRT station involving a visually impaired commuter, as evidence that the issue remains unresolved.
“More than six months have passed, yet there is still no visible progress,” he said, questioning whether the government is actively pursuing the study or simply delaying action.
The Transport Ministry (MOT) has previously acknowledged that the issue stems from systemic design limitations and has indicated plans to explore platform screen doors as a long-term solution.
However, Chong said the continued lack of updates raises concerns about the government’s commitment to implementing meaningful improvements.
“Is the government genuinely conducting a study, or simply delaying action? Must such incidents continue before decisive steps are taken?” he asked.
While Loke has said the system “functioned as intended” following the recent incident, Chong stressed that emergency systems such as the Platform Intrusion Emergency Stop (PIES) should only serve as a last line of defence.
“Emergency systems should only serve as a last line of defence. The priority must be preventive measures, such as platform screen doors, to stop passengers from accessing the tracks in the first place,” he stressed.
Chong added that public transport safety should not depend on reactive responses after accidents occur, but on proactive safeguards that prevent such incidents altogether.
“The government has a duty to ensure the safety of commuters rather than offering explanations only after accidents happen,” he argued.
He called on the MOT to provide a clear timeline for implementation, identify stations that urgently require upgrades—particularly high-traffic stations—and disclose budget allocations to ensure transparency.
“The rakyat deserves to know the progress being made, instead of continued delays justified by cost concerns or prolonged studies,” Chong said. ‒ April 10, 2026
Main image: The Rakyat Post
