LRT3: Selangor Sultan thanks Najib for heeding call, Anwar for seeing project through

SHAH ALAM (July 2): The Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah (pictured), has expressed his appreciation to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for proceeding with the Light Rail Transit Shah Alam Line (LRT3) project, which began operations on Monday.

He also expressed gratitude that Anwar, after assuming office as the prime minister and finance minister in 2022, reinstated five stations that had previously been cancelled and proposed the development of affordable housing near LRT3 stations to enhance public convenience.

“He also directed that there should be no further obstacles from any party in relation to this project. I thank and commend Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim,” the Sultan said in a statement issued on Wednesday.

Sultan Sharafuddin said the successful completion of the LRT3, despite numerous challenges, would greatly benefit the people of Selangor, particularly those living in Shah Alam, Klang and surrounding areas.

He said the idea for the LRT3 project stemmed from complaints received from the public, especially housewives who often spoke of their husbands' difficulty getting home on time because of severe traffic congestion.

The Sultan also expressed his appreciation to former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak for heeding his call to build a rail link connecting Klang, Shah Alam and Kuala Lumpur.

He said Klang had only two bridges spanning the Klang River at the time, worsening peak-hour congestion, prompting Najib's administration to abolish the Batu Tiga and Sungai Rasau toll plazas in 2018 as an immediate traffic relief measure.

The Sultan said the LRT3 project was delayed for more than 18 months following the change of government in 2018, before facing a further 19-month setback due to the Covid-19 pandemic until 2021.

During that period, he said, station sizes were reduced, the number of train coaches cut and five proposed stations along the alignment were cancelled.

Sultan Sharafuddin stressed that the LRT3 was never intended as a megaproject for prestige, but as an essential initiative to serve the interests and well-being of the people.

Sultan Sharafuddin expressed hope that the new line would help reduce traffic congestion while providing a faster, more comfortable and safer transport option, especially for commuters travelling between Klang, Shah Alam and Kuala Lumpur.

He also expressed hope that Prasarana Malaysia Bhd would ensure continuous maintenance of the line so that services remain smooth and efficient.

At the same time, the Sultan stressed that the successful completion of the LRT3 should not be attributed to any single individual or party.

“I do not want anyone to claim that the successful implementation of the LRT3 is solely the result of their efforts. In reality, this project is the product of continuity in planning, commitment and cooperation across several administrations for the benefit of the people of Selangor,” Sultan Sharafuddin said.

He expressed hope that the LRT3 would spur economic development, improve the people's quality of life and strengthen connectivity between Kuala Lumpur, Petaling Jaya, Shah Alam and Klang as key centres of national growth.

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