All LRT stations to get platform doors, Smart CCTV

Following the tragic death two days ago of a visually-impaired man who fell on to the LRT tracks and got run over by a train, transport minister Anthony Loke has said that Prasarana will install platform screen doors (PSD) and Smart CCTV at all LRT stations.

“The ministry of transport is currently working closely with all relevant parties, especially Prasarana, to conduct a detailed investigation. I have instructed that the safety aspects at all train stations, especially facilities for the disabled, be reviewed and improved.

“Prasarana will take several important steps to prevent such incidents from recurring. Smart CCTV that can detect risky behavior will be installed at stations. In the long term, Prasarana is planning to install PSDs throughout all LRT routes as an effort to strengthen passenger safety,” he said.

“The safety and welfare of passengers is always our priority. The government is committed to ensuring a safer, more inclusive and user-friendly public transport system, for the benefit of all Malaysians,” he said, adding that passengers who require additional assistance, including the disabled, can contact Prasarana staff or the station’s auxiliary police to ensure their needs are given due attention.

Among the organisations welcoming the move are the Society of the Blind in Malaysia (SBM) and OKU Sentral. According to SBM president Mohd Mustaza Mohd Zain, there have been to date at least 20 accidents involving the visually-impaired falling on to rail lines, including at KTM, LRT and monorail stations.

“Providing platform screen doors at rail stations is important to prevent such incidents. Such mitigation facilities should be among the features that exist in the design of every rail station throughout Malaysia.

“Furthermore, the number of platform screen doors should also be in line with the number of passenger carriage doors for the safety of the visually-impaired,” Mohd Mustaza said in a statement.

“Safety risk reduction measures at rail stations cannot rely solely on technological elements. Prasarana and KTMB also need to ensure that control officers are on the platform to monitor and assist users, especially the visually-impaired.

“The lack of officers at strategic locations such as on the platform is among the causes of continued accidents involving the disabled at rail stations,” he added.

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