SHAH ALAM, June 30 — Even though the LRT3 line kicked off yesterday, commuters at Dato’ Menteri station still can’t enjoy complete pedestrian access to the PKNS Complex and Shah Alam City Centre (SACC).
A Media Selangor survey found that commuters walking in both directions — towards the station and out of PKNS Complex and SACC — have to risk their safety and walk on the road shoulder as the pedestrian path hasn’t been finished.
Besides feeding into PKNS Complex and SACC, the Dato’ Menteri station also has links to Avisena Specialist Hospital, the Shah Alam Urban Transformation Centre (UTC), and the Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) headquarters, so safe pedestrian access is paramount for commuters in the area.
An LRT3 user, Noor Hazila Mohamad Jamaludin, 41, said although the station isn’t too far away from Tasik Shah Alam, the lack of pedestrian walkways is forcing people to use dangerous alternative paths.
“By right, when the station starts operating, infrastructure including pedestrian paths should also be completed so users can walk safely.
“If it rains it would definitely be more dangerous because we’re walking on the road shoulder… Drivers might not see pedestrians, especially at night when this area gets dark,” she said.
Meanwhile, trader Fatirah Azida Abd Rahman, 63, said she and her son had to wander around looking for a way to the Dato’ Menteri station as there is no clear signage.
She added that this would complicate first-time users as they would have to walk through a construction area before finding the entrance.
“There isn’t any signage from the UTC area either. We went around a few times because we didn’t know the right way.
“I hope infrastructure works can be done soon and signage goes up so users can move more easily between the station and the surroundings,” she said.
Fatirah Azida’s son, Mohamad Azrul Noor Azizulrahim, 33, said a complete pedestrian walkway and wayfinding signage are important to guarantee user safety and ease of mobility.
He added that this would help those coming to the Dato’ Menteri station for the first time.
“The path to the station, if it could be upgraded so it’s better, (that would be good), because now things are a bit dangerous when pedestrians have to walk on the road shoulder with vehicles passing.
“If there is a better, roofed walkway and clear signage, it would be more comfortable, especially for senior citizens, children, and users bringing their families around,” he said.
Another user, Mohamad Murshidi Mohamed Adnan, 44, hopes the pedestrian walkway is finished soon as commuters are risking their safety.
“As a user, I am worried because the pedestrian walkway isn’t ready. Pedestrian safety still isn’t ensured.
“I hope construction can pick up because when it rains, pedestrians have absolutely nowhere to take cover, and this inconveniences all users,” he said.
Adilah Ali, 35, said that even though her first time using the LRT3 was a good one thanks to friendly station staff, pedestrian access must be improved to encourage more people to use public transport.
The swimming instructor said a safe, roofed walkway is important so people may walk to the station without depending on private or e-hailing vehicles.
“For this facility to be more accessible, pedestrian walkways must be completed so people can walk safely to the station.
“We can’t expect everyone to use Grab. If possible, let the people walk directly from their homes or nearby premises so using public transport is easier,” she added.
Meanwhile, retiree Ali Hassan, 70, said parking facilities at the Dato’ Menteri station need attention as not all users live within walking distance.
He said that if enough parking bays are available, more people would use the LRT.
“Many users come from areas quite far away and not everyone is willing to walk 20 minutes to the station, that’s why parking facilities are also important,” he added.
Media Selangor has contacted state executive councillor for investment, trade and mobility Ng Sze Han and MBSA for feedback on the issue.
