Transport Minister Anthony Loke establishes a special task force to investigate the LRT derailment, vowing maximum enforcement and accountability at all levels.
PETALING JAYA: The Transport Ministry (MOT) has moved immediately to establish a special task force to investigate the LRT derailment on the Ampang–Sri Petaling Line, with its Minister Anthony Loke warning that “maximum enforcement action” will be taken and that no one in the rail operator’s top management will be spared from accountability.
The incident near Chan Sow Lin Station occurred early this morning when a train derailed during operations, disrupting services along the line.
All 25 passengers on board were safely evacuated and no injuries were reported.
However, Loke stressed that the matter is being treated as a serious safety breach rather than a routine service disruption.
“A train derailment poses significant safety risks to both passengers and operational staff.
“Although all 25 passengers involved in the incident were safely evacuated and no injuries were reported, MOT maintains a firm stance on this matter and will not compromise on public safety issues,” he said in a statement.
He added that the government had acted quickly to establish a formal investigative mechanism.
“I have directed that the findings of the investigation be submitted to the Cabinet as soon as possible and that the report be made public.
“I have also instructed the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) to take the maximum possible enforcement action against Prasarana Malaysia Berhad in relation to this incident.
“APAD has immediately opened an investigation paper into the matter,” Loke said.
Loke also issued a strong warning to the rail operator’s leadership, saying systemic accountability would be enforced at the highest level.
“I would like to stress that the board of directors and management team of Prasarana cannot continue with a ‘business-as-usual’ attitude.
“Incidents such as this must be treated with the utmost seriousness, and no one in Prasarana’s top management will be exempt from accountability over this incident,” he said.
He further stressed that disciplinary consequences could follow depending on the outcome of the investigation.
“Safety standards and the reliability of public transport services are not matters that can be compromised.
“Serious action, including dismissal, must be taken by Prasarana’s board of directors against any party found negligent in carrying out their responsibilities in order to restore public confidence in the reliability of rail services operated under Prasarana,” he said.
