LRT3 project should meet world-class standards: PM Najib

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak today stressed that the Light Rail Transit 3 (LRT3) project, which would be used by about two million people in the Western Corridor of Greater Kuala Lumpur and the Klang Valley, should meet world-class construction standards.

He said the project which would provide convenience to commuters in Klang, Shah Alam and Petaling Jaya should also be of high quality, as safety should not be compromised.

"I understand that a new technology known as 'U-Trough' will be used, which is an improvement over the conventional system currently being used in our country.

"This is expected to speed up the process and time frame in terms of its implementation," he said when launching the project at the Malawati Stadium in Shah Alam here this evening.

Also present were Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai, Urban Wellbeing, Housing and Local Government Minister Tan Sri Noh Omar and Prasarana Malaysia Bhd chairman Tan Sri Ismail Adam.

The construction of the LRT3 project, which will be undertaken by Prasarana, is scheduled to begin early next year and be completed by Aug 31, 2020, at a cost of RM9 billion.

Five of the LRT3 stations will be integrated with either existing lines or new ones.

The Prime Minister said that with the new interchanges, LRT3 would be able to reduce traffic congestion, increase the mobility of workers, and create new job opportunities in the Klang Valley upon its completion by 2020.

He said the LRT3 project, which would include 26 stations spanning over 37km, was expected to be completed on schedule, despite the cost limitations.

Najib also expressed his confidence that the project would bring many benefits to the people, including a feeder bus system in areas nearby the stations.

"A total of 10 LRT3 stations will have 'park and ride' facilities to encourage more Malaysians to park their cars there, rather than driving into the city centre, which is more convenient and cost-effective.

Najib also thanked the Selangor state government for its cooperation in the smooth implementation of the project, despite political differences.

"We should remember, that the people always come first," he said, to loud applause from the guests.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister also announced a 50 per cent discount for RapidKL, LRT and Monorail lines for travel between 6am and 7am, beginning Sept 16.