By Lasheeni Ghobi
KUALA LUMPUR, 27 August 2025: Prasarana Malaysia Bhd has announced a delay in the opening of the LRT3 Shah Alam Line, pushing its anticipated launch from September 30 to the end of 2025. The postponement is a result of ongoing challenges encountered during the crucial fault-free run (FFR) testing phase, a final step required to certify the new fleet of trains for service.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke has confirmed the new timeline, stating that while the project is now 99.21% complete, a few more tests are needed to ensure the system’s safety and reliability. The delay stems from technical issues related to the integration of the line’s signaling, communications, and electrification systems. Any significant fault detected during the FFR test can reset the accumulated mileage, requiring the test to start over from the beginning. Prasarana is racing against time to complete these intensive test runs, which require the first train to successfully complete 4,000 km without issues, while the rest of the fleet must each cover a minimum of 2,000 km.
Prasarana’s president and group CEO, Amir Hamdan, has expressed hope that the project will be ready for launch by December, stating, “God willing, the project will enter into a critical phase called the fault-free run (FFR) on August 25. We pray that this test will go smoothly as planned with no more delays so that we can complete the project in time for launch.” This 37 km line, which will feature 25 stations from Bandar Utama to Johan Setia, is considered a critical development for residents in Klang and Shah Alam, who have had to endure severely disrupted KTM Komuter services due to ongoing rehabilitation programs.
Ultimately, the delayed opening is a testament to the commitment to passenger safety and system integrity. While the postponement is a setback for commuters, Prasarana and the Transport Ministry remain confident that the technical challenges will be overcome, allowing the LRT3 to begin operations by year-end as a reliable and much-needed public transport solution for the Klang Valley.
