PETALING JAYA: The KL Monorail's four-car train fleet, introduced in December 2014, has not been in operations since mid-May 2017, says train manufacturer, Scomi Engineering Bhd.
The trains were solely operated and maintained by Rapid Rail Sdn Bhd (RRML) after it was handed over by Scomi Transit Projects Sdn Bhd to its client, Prasarana Malaysia Bhd, beginning 2014.
Scomi, in a statement, said prior to the revenue service, the trains underwent rigorous validation process, design reviews and endurance tests, independently or jointly with Prasarana, the engineer under the contract, suppliers and authorities before a rail worthiness certificate was issued by an international Independent Checking Engineer (ICE).
The certificate was presented to the Land Public Transport Commission for final approval to start the revenue service, it added.
"MMRA Ltd, the Prasarana-appointed ICE, is an independent and impartial organisation that provides assurance and certification services to all areas of the railway industry," it said.
Scomi said the company was aware of the grounding through RRML's media release, where Scomi approached RRML to discuss its concerns and recommended certain enhancements.
"These enhancements do not alter the fundamental design philosophy and safety of the trains, previously approved by Prasarana and certified by ICE in 2014," it added.
Scomi was instructed to vacate the new KL Monorail depot approximately nine months ago due to the contractual dispute between Scomi and Prasarana, it said.
Nonetheless, it said, Scomi, has been extending support to RRML in public interest for continued operations of the trains.
"Based upon the full inspection, we are of the opinion that these trains are fit for operations," said Scomi, adding that an effective urban transit system was dependent upon all its systems being in operable condition, assisted by efficient maintenance practices.
"Through early detection and mitigation, reliability of the fleet can be maintained," it added.
Scomi said it was committed to delivering the full fleet of four-car trains and has cooperated with Prasarana and relevant stakeholders to complete the project. – Bernama