SHAH ALAM, July 1 — The Sultan of Selangor, His Royal Highness Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj, has welcomed the successful completion of the LRT3 Shah Alam Line, describing it as a long-awaited project that will significantly enhance mobility and improve the quality of life for residents in Selangor, particularly those in Shah Alam, Klang and surrounding areas.
In a royal address, the Sultan expressed gratitude that the rail project had finally been realised for the benefit and well-being of the people, while acknowledging the contributions of multiple federal administrations in bringing the project to completion.
His Royal Highness paid tribute to former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak for accepting his proposal in 2015 to build a rail link connecting Klang, Shah Alam and Kuala Lumpur. The Sultan recalled raising the proposal during a breaking-of-fast event at Najib’s residence after receiving numerous letters from residents, particularly homemakers, who complained that their spouses regularly returned home late due to severe traffic congestion along the Federal Highway.
The Sultan noted that Klang had only two bridges crossing the Klang River at the time, worsening traffic congestion during peak hours. As an immediate measure to ease traffic, Najib’s administration abolished the Batu Tiga and Sungai Rasau toll plazas in 2018.
His Royal Highness said the LRT3 project was subsequently delayed for more than 18 months following the change of government in 2018, with a further 19-month setback caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Sultan also said that during the tenure of then Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng, with advice from Tony Pua, the project’s investment cost was reduced on the grounds that it was considered a “mega project.” According to the Sultan, the move reflected a misunderstanding of the project’s purpose, stressing that LRT3 was never intended as a prestige project but rather as essential public infrastructure to meet the needs of the people.
He added that during that period, station sizes were reduced, the number of train carriages was scaled back, and five proposed stations along the alignment were cancelled.
The Sultan expressed appreciation to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for continuing the project after taking office, including restoring the five cancelled stations and supporting the construction of affordable housing around LRT3 stations and along the corridor to further benefit residents.
His Royal Highness also thanked Anwar for directing that no further obstacles should hinder the project’s implementation.
Looking ahead, the Sultan expressed hope that the LRT3 line would reduce road congestion while providing commuters with a faster, safer and more comfortable public transport option, particularly for those travelling between Klang, Shah Alam and Kuala Lumpur.
He also called on Prasarana Malaysia Berhad to ensure the rail line is properly maintained so that it can continue operating efficiently and reliably.
The Sultan emphasised that no individual or group should claim sole credit for the project’s completion, stating that LRT3 was the result of continuous planning, commitment and cooperation across several administrations in the interest of the people of Selangor.
He concluded by expressing confidence that the new rail line would serve as a catalyst for economic development, improve the quality of life for residents and strengthen connectivity between Kuala Lumpur, Petaling Jaya, Shah Alam and Klang as key growth centres for the nation.
— MINUTESMY
