SHAH ALAM, June 29 — The proposal to reinstate the construction of five Light Rail Transit 3 (LRT3) stations does not involve a significant increase in costs, as the total cost of the project remains lower than the original estimate.
State executive councillor for investment, trade, and mobility Ng Sze Han said the rationalisation exercise implemented in 2018 also contributed to savings in loan interest costs throughout the financing period, estimated at up to RM14 billion.
Although the government has decided to reinstate the five stations previously cancelled to meet public needs, the project's overall construction cost remains below the original estimate.
“Although the government has decided to reinstate the five stations that were previously cancelled to meet the needs of the people, the total construction cost of the project is still lower than the original estimate, resulting in savings of nearly RM10 billion in public funds,” he said on social media.
Ng added that the project reflects prudent governance through the rationalisation process, including the change in implementation model from a project delivery partner arrangement to a fixed-price contract.
The Shah Alam LRT3 line is not merely a public transport project, but also symbolises the government's commitment to providing a more modern, efficient, and sustainable mobility system for the people's well-being.
“I would also like to express my highest appreciation and gratitude to the Transport Ministry and everyone involved for their commitment and tireless efforts in bringing this project to fruition, despite the many challenges encountered throughout its implementation,” he said.
Yesterday, Transport Minister Anthony Loke confirmed that the construction of five new LRT3 stations will begin at the end of this year to strengthen the public transport network in the western Klang Valley.
The stations are Tropicana, Raja Muda, Temasya, Bukit Raja, and Bandar Botanik, completing the mobility ecosystem of the Shah Alam line.
Earlier, the Shah Alam LRT3 line was officially launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, with free travel on the 37.8km route offered for one month starting today until July 31.
To complement the service, free feeder bus services are also being provided to facilitate passengers' journeys to the main stations along the route.
