KUALA LUMPUR: Non-functioning facilities such as escalators and lifts at public transportation stations were due to several factors including delay in the supply of replacement parts, says Rapid Rail Sdn Bhd.

It said in a statement this was following the temporary closure of the factory in Shanghai, China due to lockdowns in the country.

The operations of the facilities at its train stations were at 96.5% for lifts and 90% for escalators with the process of maintenance and repair to be completed in stages, it said.

It added that the maintenance of these facilities was expected to be fully completed on Sept 30 for the Ampang/Sri Petaling Light Rail Transit (LRT) route and Kelana Jaya LRT and Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) Kajang route and July 31 for the monorail service.

“These expected completion dates depend on the current situation in Shanghai. A three-month period is needed for the replacement parts delivery process from the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) company in China.

“Rapid Rail is closely monitoring the supplier and contractor to speed up the procurements and installations of the replacement parts,” it said on Friday (May 20).

It was responding to a video that had gone viral on social media showing the difficulties faced by LRT commuters due to non-functioning lifts and escalators at the Ampang Park LRT station.

Rapid Rail apologised and expressed regret over the issue.

The company said it was in the process of obtaining renewal permits and approvals to operate the facilities, which were expected to be reopened to passengers by Wednesday (May 25).

“As such, to help passengers needing specific assistance, the operations team will always ensure the personnel at the station are more alert to quickly give aid,” it said.

Passengers could also approach the customer service counter or auxiliary policemen at the station to get help, it added. – Bernama