I AM writing in reference to the article “LRT warned for poor service” (NST, Aug 23).

Under the Railway Act 1991, the Ministry of Transport is the only regulator for rail services. The ministry’s power includes the issuance and revocation of rail licences and the setting of standards in rail operations, particularly with regard to safety issues.

The two LRT systems (Ampang and Kelana Jaya lines) are operated by RapidKL, while Syarikat Prasarana Negara Bhd (SPNB) is the asset owner. Both are government-linked companies under the Ministry of Finance. It is up to the railway service providers to plan and ensure efficiency of services, including adequate capacity and passenger comfort. The Ministry of Transport has no direct say over these two companies.

With regard to the warning letter to SPNB by the Department of Railways, I wish to clarify that the minister was referring to the recent glitches in the LRT operations and not poor quality of service, which does not come under the ministry’s jurisdiction.

CHOW KUM HOR for the Minister of Transport Malaysia

Source: NST – August 27, 2008