SHAH ALAM (July 2): The Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, has commended Anwar Ibrahim for ensuring the completion of the Shah Alam Line, which officially began operations on Monday.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Sultan Sharafuddin expressed his appreciation for the Prime Minister's decision, after assuming office in 2022, to reinstate five stations that had previously been cancelled. He also welcomed the proposal to develop affordable housing near LRT3 stations to improve accessibility and convenience for the public.

The Sultan said Anwar had also instructed that no further obstacles should hinder the implementation of the project, describing the move as a positive step that deserved recognition.

According to Sultan Sharafuddin, the completion of the LRT3, despite facing numerous challenges over the years, will deliver significant benefits to residents of Shah Alam, Klang and surrounding areas by providing a more efficient public transport network.

He revealed that the idea for the rail project originated from complaints received from members of the public, particularly homemakers who shared concerns about their husbands spending long hours in traffic before returning home due to severe road congestion.

The Sultan also acknowledged the contribution of former prime minister Najib Razak for responding to his request to establish a rail connection linking Klang, Shah Alam and Kuala Lumpur.

He noted that Klang previously relied on only two bridges crossing the Klang River, contributing to severe traffic congestion during peak hours. As an interim measure, Najib's administration abolished the Batu Tiga and Sungai Rasau toll plazas in 2018 to ease traffic flow.

Sultan Sharafuddin recalled that following the change of government in 2018, the LRT3 project was delayed for more than 18 months before experiencing an additional 19-month setback due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

During that period, the project underwent several revisions, including reductions in station sizes, fewer train coaches and the cancellation of five planned stations along the route.

The Sultan stressed that the LRT3 was never conceived as a prestige project but as an essential public transport initiative designed to improve the welfare of the people by reducing congestion and providing a faster, safer and more comfortable commuting option.

He also urged Prasarana Malaysia Berhad to maintain the rail line properly to ensure reliable and efficient services for commuters.

At the same time, Sultan Sharafuddin emphasised that the successful completion of the project should not be credited to any single individual or administration.

Instead, he said the LRT3 represents the result of continuous planning, commitment and cooperation across multiple governments, all working towards improving public transportation for the people of Selangor.

Looking ahead, the Sultan expressed hope that the new rail line will stimulate economic growth, enhance the quality of life for residents and strengthen connectivity between Kuala Lumpur, Petaling Jaya, Shah Alam and Klang as major economic centres.

What I Learned

The completion of the LRT3 demonstrates that major infrastructure projects often span multiple government administrations before reaching completion. While political leadership may change over time, continuity in policy and long-term planning is essential to ensure that projects serving the public interest are successfully delivered.

This project also highlights the broader impact of public transportation beyond mobility. Efficient rail networks can reduce traffic congestion, support affordable housing developments around stations, improve daily commuting experiences and stimulate economic activity by enhancing connectivity between key urban centres. The Sultan's remarks further underscore the importance of recognising collaborative efforts across different administrations rather than attributing the success of large-scale infrastructure projects to a single individual or government.