Minister: Rapid Rail 'no power' to end social distancing measures

CORONAVIRUS | Defence Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said Rapid Rail Sdn Bhd has no authority to change social distancing regulations sent by the government to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

He said this in response to a statement by the rail service that it will end social distancing measures on its trains when the recovery movement control order (MCO) comes into effect tomorrow. 

"Rapid Rail has no power to change the rules set by the government. If the government says there must be social distancing on the rail service, they (Rapid Rail) cannot change what has been decided.

"If they want to change (the SOP), they must apply to the National Security Council (NSC)," the senior minister in charge of security cluster said during his daily briefing in Putrajaya today. 

Rapid Rail manages MRT, LRT and monorail lines in the Klang Valley.

In a statement issued earlier today, the company said the Kelana Jaya, Ampang/Sri Petaling LRT lines, Sungai Buloh-Kajang MRT line and monorail line it manages would no longer enforce social distancing on board.

This was purportedly in line with the Transport Ministry's standard operating procedures for the recovery MCO which allows trains, except for the ETS and intercity KTM, to operate at full capacity.

However, other safety measures such as temperature monitoring and face mask requirement would remain in place. 

Following the rebuke from the minister, Prasarana Malaysia Berhad, of which Rapid Rail is a subsidiary, said the rail service would continue with social distancing measures until a new decision is reached by the government.

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