Selangor Sultan Urges All Parties Not to Claim Sole Credit for Completion of LRT3 Project
PETALING JAYA, July 1 — The Sultan of Selangor has called on political leaders and stakeholders to refrain from claiming exclusive credit for the completion of the Shah Alam Light Rail Transit Line 3 (LRT3), saying the project was made possible through years of policy continuity and cooperation across successive administrations.
Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah said the rail project should be recognised as a collective national effort undertaken for the benefit of the people rather than being used for political recognition.
“I do not wish to see any party take advantage of the situation by claiming that the successful implementation of LRT3 is solely the result of their efforts,” the Ruler said.
“The reality is that this project is the outcome of continuous planning, commitment and cooperation involving several administrations, all working towards the interests and well-being of the people of Selangor,” His Royal Highness added.
The Sultan expressed gratitude that the LRT3 Shah Alam line had finally become a reality despite numerous challenges encountered throughout its development, noting that the new rail service would significantly benefit residents of Shah Alam, Klang and neighbouring areas.
Reflecting on the project’s early development, Sultan Sharafuddin acknowledged former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak for accepting his proposal to establish a rail connection linking Klang, Shah Alam and Kuala Lumpur.
His Royal Highness recalled that Klang was previously served by only two bridges crossing the Klang River, resulting in severe traffic congestion during peak hours. He said the Najib administration also abolished the Batu Tiga and Sungai Rasau toll plazas in 2018 as an immediate measure to ease traffic flow.
The Sultan also recounted how the project experienced significant setbacks following the change of Federal Government in 2018, which delayed construction for more than 18 months before the Covid-19 pandemic caused an additional 19-month interruption that extended into 2021.
During that period, His Royal Highness said the project’s scope was reduced through cost-cutting measures that included downsizing station designs, reducing the number of train carriages and cancelling five planned stations.
The Sultan said the decision was made by then Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng together with his adviser Tony Phua, whom he said regarded LRT3 as a “mega project” without fully appreciating its importance in meeting the transportation needs of the people.
“I wish to emphasise that this was never intended to be a mega project or a project for prestige. It has always been a project designed to serve the interests and improve the welfare of my people,” His Royal Highness said.
At the same time, Sultan Sharafuddin expressed appreciation to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for agreeing to continue the project, including restoring the five cancelled stations and planning affordable housing developments along the LRT3 corridor.
Looking ahead, the Sultan said he hopes the new rail line will encourage greater use of public transportation by reducing road congestion while providing commuters with a faster, safer and more comfortable travel option, particularly for those living in Klang and Shah Alam and working in Kuala Lumpur.
His Royal Highness also called on Prasarana to ensure the LRT3 system is properly maintained so that services remain reliable and efficient for commuters.
He added that the rail line has the potential to become a catalyst for economic growth, improve the quality of life for residents and strengthen connectivity between Kuala Lumpur, Petaling Jaya, Shah Alam and Klang, which together form one of Malaysia’s most important economic corridors.
