KUALA LUMPUR: Supply chain disruption due to Covid-19 lockdown in Shanghai, China, is one of the main reasons for the maintenance delays of facilities at train stations, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.

The Transport Minister said the expected completion of maintenance and recovery of lifts and escalators at public transport facilities depended on getting the spare parts.

“A period of three months was required for the process of shipping spare parts from the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) in China. Rapid Rail is closely monitoring suppliers and contractors to expedite the procurement and installation of spare parts,” he told the media yesterday.

Dr Wee, along with Senator Datuk Ras Adiba Radzi, who represents persons with disabilities (PWD) in Dewan Negara, has visited the Ampang Park LRT station to inspect repairs on a faulty escalator and lift.

A recent photo of a man using crutches, trying to take the stairs at the station, went viral and led to public calls for an explanation.

“I received messages from Ras Adiba in regards to the issue a few days ago while I was on a working visit in Labuan.

“Following that, we are here today at Ampang Park LRT station,” Dr Wee said.

He added the faulty lifts and escalators in Ampang Park LRT station were back in operation yesterday following inspection by the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH).

“Detailed supervision and inspection by Dosh had been carried out for all lifts and escalators at Ampang Park LRT Station to ensure its safety,” Dr Wee said.

The ministry and train operators are committed to ensuring that transport facilities are accessible to all citizens including PWDs, he added.

He also said 96.5% of lifts and 90% of escalators in all RapidRail stations are in operation while the remaining facilities could be under maintenance and waiting for spare parts.

On the recent LRT disruptions on Friday, he said a task force consisting of personnel from Prasarana and external consultants has been formed to probe into the cause of the faulty train.

He said the incident involving a RapidKL train, which had to stop its operation, was due to a brake calliper hydraulic leakage.

“We would like to know what caused the incident. The task force will be given two weeks to present the outcome of their investigations.

“According to the maintenance schedules, the failure of the parts took place much earlier than expected, which is important for us to figure out why,” Dr Wee said.

Prasarana Malaysia Bhd president and chief executive officer Mohd Azharuddin Mat Sah,who was also present, said some train set components had failed before its five-year expected lifespan.

A train broke down at the KL Sentral LRT station, disrupting travel along the Kelana Jaya Line on Friday, affecting around 22,100 commuters.

On May 10, the same route also saw a failed train at the Taman Jaya station towards Putra Heights.

Dr Wee said that the public’s safety will always be prioritised, while similar incidents could be avoided with the in-depth investigations by the task force.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2022/05/23/wee-maintenance-delays-at-train-stations-due-to-supply-chain-disruption