PETALING JAYA: The legal suit against the Kelana Jaya LRT owner and operator filed by a victim of the 2021 LRT collision should be settled out of court instead of being prolonged, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong (pic).

The former transport minister during the May 24, 2021 incident urged the government to speedily compensate Florence Lee, 57, for her loss of income and medical bills, which amounted to RM113,524.08 in her suit.

“I urge the government to immediately seek her out, assess her claims and settle this case out of court by immediately paying what is due to her,” Dr Wee said in a statement on Wednesday (May 15).

Dr Wee said Lee should be treated humanely by the Madani government instead of facing a court case that could take years and cost the government and courts heavily.

“She has suffered injuries and emotional damage through no fault of hers,” he said.

“She has already suffered since three years ago. The government should not make her suffer further by having to wait and incur another four years of legal bills while waiting for the case to start only in 2028.”

Dr Wee, who is MCA president, also urged the Finance Ministry to step in to help the victim.

“Prasarana Malaysia Berhad and Rapid Rail Sdn Bhd are both companies under the Minister of Finance (Incorporated). Certainly, the Finance Ministry can take proactive actions to provide the best solutions to the victim.”

Lee filed the suit in December last year, naming the LRT system’s owner, Prasarana Malaysia Bhd and rail operator Rapid Rail Sdn Bhd as defendants she accused of failing to ensure her safety, security and well-being when using the LRT.

Kuala Lumpur High Court justice Shahrir Salleh last week fixed Jan 10 to 13, 2028, for trial at case management.

The Kelana Jaya LRT collision on May 24 occurred at about 8.45pm in a tunnel between the KLCC LRT station and Kampung Baru LRT station. It resulted in 260 people injured, including 47 with serious injuries.

A special investigation panel team led by the Transport Ministry formed to determine the cause of the crash had proposed 23 recommendations to improve the operational and safety aspects of LRT services and prevent such incidents from recurring.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/05/15/settle-lrt-collision-suit-out-of-court-dr-wee-urges-govt