Latest news with #MCO
The Star
an hour ago
- Business
- The Star
LRT3 project costs RM9.72bil less than initial price tag, says Loke
KUALA LUMPUR: Despite reinstating several components of the LRT3's original plan, the government managed to keep the cost of the project well below its initial price tag, says Anthony Loke. The Transport Minister told the Dewan Rakyat that the total cost of the LRT3 project now stands at RM21.93bil, which is still RM9.72bil less than the original approved cost of RM31.65bil when the project was first introduced in 2015. The savings came following a restructuring initiative in 2018, which initially slashed the cost down to RM16.63bil. However, in 2024, the government decided to reinstate several aspects, including five additional stations, seven three-carriage trains, an expanded train depot in Johan Setia, 150 electric shuttle buses, and the construction of three bus depots. 'These reinstatements added RM5.3bil to the total cost, bringing it to RM21.93bil, still well under the original cost,' Loke said in a parliamentary written reply on Wednesday (July 30). He added that as of July 10, the LRT3 line which connects Bandar Utama in Petaling Jaya to Johan Setia in Klang had reached 99.21% completion. He said the project had faced delays largely due to the Covid-19 pandemic, which disrupted works between March 2020 and October 2021. 'The movement control order (MCO) caused shortages in skilled and semi-skilled labour. Foreign worker entry permits were only resumed in November 2023,' said Loke. He added that the MCO also triggered supply chain disruptions and building material shortages, particularly in steel and cement. Loke was responding to a question by Muhammad Fawwaz Mohamad Jan (PN–Permatang Pauh), who had asked about the reasons for the delay and the project's increased cost.
Malay Mail
2 hours ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
Is LRT3 still on track for Sept 30 start? Loke says work is 99pc done
KUALA LUMPUR, July 30 — The Light Rail Transit 3 (LRT3) project linking Bandar Utama to Johan Setia was 99.21 per cent complete as of July 10, Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook has confirmed. In a written parliamentary reply, Loke said the government is committed to ensuring the project is delivered safely and efficiently. The LRT3 was previously reported to begin operations on September 30. He was responding to Permatang Pauh MP Muhammad Fawwaz Mohamad Jan, who had asked the ministry to explain the cause of delays and the increase in project costs. Loke explained that the project faced delays primarily due to the Movement Control Order (MCO) from March 2020 to October 2021, which disrupted construction schedules and supply chains. This was compounded by subsequent labour shortages and limited availability of key construction materials. The project's original cost, approved in 2015, was RM31.65 billion. This was reduced to RM16.63 billion in 2018 following a cost-cutting restructuring exercise, saving the government RM15.02 billion. 'However, in 2024, the government decided to reinstate part of the project's original scope. 'This included five additional stations, seven extra three-car train sets, the expansion of the Johan Setia depot in Klang, the purchase of 150 electric feeder buses, and the construction of three bus depots,' he said. The reinstatement added RM5.3 billion to the cost, bringing the total to RM21.93 billion. LRT3 is expected to serve several high-density areas, including Bandar Utama, Shah Alam, and Klang, accommodating up to 18,630 commuters per hour in each direction. The new line is projected to benefit some two million residents along its alignment, particularly those travelling between Petaling Jaya and Klang, with the aim of alleviating traffic congestion and boosting economic growth around its stations.
Malay Mail
2 hours ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
Loke: LRT3 works 99pc done, on track for Sept 30 start
KUALA LUMPUR, July 30 — The Light Rail Transit 3 (LRT3) project linking Bandar Utama to Johan Setia was 99.21 per cent complete as of July 10, Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook has confirmed. In a written parliamentary reply, Loke said the government is committed to ensuring the project is delivered safely and efficiently, with operations scheduled to begin on September 30. He was responding to Permatang Pauh MP Muhammad Fawwaz Mohamad Jan, who had asked the ministry to explain the cause of delays and the increase in project costs. Loke explained that the project faced delays primarily due to the Movement Control Order (MCO) from March 2020 to October 2021, which disrupted construction schedules and supply chains. This was compounded by subsequent labour shortages and limited availability of key construction materials. The project's original cost, approved in 2015, was RM31.65 billion. This was reduced to RM16.63 billion in 2018 following a cost-cutting restructuring exercise, saving the government RM15.02 billion. 'However, in 2024, the government decided to reinstate part of the project's original scope. 'This included five additional stations, seven extra three-car train sets, the expansion of the Johan Setia depot in Klang, the purchase of 150 electric feeder buses, and the construction of three bus depots,' he said. The reinstatement added RM5.3 billion to the cost, bringing the total to RM21.93 billion. LRT3 is expected to serve several high-density areas, including Bandar Utama, Shah Alam, and Klang, accommodating up to 18,630 commuters per hour in each direction. The new line is projected to benefit some two million residents along its alignment, particularly those travelling between Petaling Jaya and Klang, with the aim of alleviating traffic congestion and boosting economic growth around its stations.
New Straits Times
20 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Authorities seek help to trace mum of three siblings
YAN: The Social Welfare Department is appealing for help to trace the mother of three children who have been under guardianship since they were left behind during the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown. The children — Nurul Ain Abdullah, 16, Muhammad Fazli Abdullah, 14, and Mahathir Abdullah, 12 — were left without identification documents except for birth certificates indicating non-Malaysian citizenship. Their guardian, Abdul Rahman Abd Rahim, told authorities that the mother, Milah Nurwanto, 47, left the children during the Movement Control Order (MCO) in 2020 and has not been in contact since. Her last known address was at Taman Desa Makmur in Hulu Langat, Selangor. Yan Social Welfare Department child protector Zaty Farhany Muhammad Fauzi said the children were currently under a temporary custody order granted under Section 19(2)(b) of the Child Act 2001 (Amendment 2016). "We have yet to locate the children's mother. We are appealing to members of the public who may have any information to come forward," she said in a statement today.
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Health
- New Straits Times
'I won't leave her': Husband cares despite own illness
KUALA LUMPUR: "I will always love and cherish my wife," said 63‑year‑old Ah Yauddin, who remains devoted to caring for his wife despite her severe illness and his own health struggles. Behind his gentle smile, Ah Yauddin carries a heavy burden. His wife, Roslina Yusof (57), lost her left leg to diabetes and suffered a stroke during the Movement Control Order (MCO) lockdown around five years ago, which has left her immobile and unable to speak. She now relies on a wheelchair and a feeding tube. Ah Yauddin, who suffers from stage‑five kidney disease, high blood pressure and diabetes himself, makes no excuse. "It has never crossed my mind to leave the love of my life," he told Harian Metro at the Pantai Dalam night market stall. Each Saturday, he brings Roslina along to the night market, carrying her from their fourth‑floor flat in Pangsapuri Meru Ehsan to continue earning a living by selling drinks — and fulfilling his duty as a husband. "I love and cherish her, even though she's unwell," he said. "My greatest fulfilment is caring for her, loving her and staying by her side." Their only daughter, 21‑year‑old Siti Nur Aliah, helps daily. She has put her studies on hold to care for her mother. "I look up to my father as a role model," she said. "I haven't continued my studies because I want to help care for her." Ah Yauddin remembers when Roslina could walk, talk, run a business and prepare meals that their neighbours loved. "Now I pray every day for guidance and strength," he said. Sometimes, when he sees his wife open her eyes and look at him, he feels relief and calm. "My greatest fear is seeing her eyes closed." There are moments when he weeps, longing for the life they once shared. "One of the things I miss most is her cooking," he said softly. "As long as I have the strength, I will continue to care for her." Despite his frailty, he ensures Roslina attends all physiotherapy sessions and hospital appointments at Tengku Ampuan Rahimah Hospital (HTAR) in Klang. He brings her down and back up their building stairs without complaint. Roslina's condition may be dire, but the family's resilience shines through. Their deep bond underscores an unwavering love and duty in the face of adversity.
