Frustrated commuters slam LRT delays and overcrowding as trains withdrawn from Kelana Jaya Line disrupt peak hour
PUBLIC transport commuters vented their frustration this morning after peak-hour train delays and overcrowding disrupted the first Monday back at work following the long Chinese New Year break.
Many passengers were caught in lengthy queues and packed platforms at LRT stations, particularly along the Kelana Jaya Line, after several trains were reportedly withdrawn from service due to technical issues.
Screenshots circulating on social media from the MyRapid PULSE application showed a notice informing passengers that multiple trains had been taken out of operation, resulting in extended waiting times.
Taking to Threads, user @yyadnn wrote: “Oh Allah, RapidKL, what’s going on? It’s Monday, people are back at work as usual. Why?”
She shared that she had been waiting at Glenmarie station and was unable to board even after four trains had passed.
“Glenmarie is already so crowded, and suddenly a train arrives (I’ve been waiting for the fourth train), and they ask the people inside to get out?! Then, they go back in. Poor people who were already inside, queuing properly at the back — who knows if they even got back in,” she said.
In a later update, she claimed that passengers were instructed to disembark temporarily at Universiti station to allow those who had been waiting longer to board.
“No one wants to get out at Universiti station and when the train arrives, it’s absolutely packed like sardines. Those of us who were made to get out earlier still can’t get back in. I swear, I can’t!” she added.
Another user, @crisslynlavang, suggested that those affected consider taking emergency leave.
Responding, Fathiha wrote: “I was this close to just giving up — imagine waiting for all the LRT trains and every single one is full. Planned to go home early but ended up getting back late.”
Some commuters noted that the situation felt even more exhausting during the fasting month.
One passenger claimed that a train heading towards Putra Heights was so overcrowded that a commuter fainted and had to be evacuated at Dang Wangi station.
Amid the chaos, several members of the public called on employers to consider offering flexible working arrangements or remote work options to ease the burden on staff.
“To all employers, this is the time to give your staff some flexibility or allow work from home (WFH), please. Don’t you feel for us? It feels like we’re being oppressed every day, when people are just struggling to earn a living to support themselves, their children and their families,” wrote @fiqanse.
Commuters said that while many opt for public transport to avoid road congestion, frequent disruptions and overcrowding are making daily travel increasingly challenging.
