An elderly woman struggling to cross the tracks with her bicycle at the end of Jalan Gedung Raja Abdullah. — Photos: MUHAMAD SHAHRIL ROSLI/The Star
Crossing railway tracks riskier due to fast-moving silent electric commuter trains
ERRANT pedestrians continue to risk their lives everyday by crossing the railway tracks off Jalan Gedung Raja Abdullah in Klang.
Klang Consumer Association president A. Devadass said a section of the fence installed on both sides of the railway tracks were damaged three years ago and reinstalled by Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd (KTMB).
“Earlier this year, the fence was damaged again and I see people crossing the tracks, risking their lives,” he said.
Devadass wants KTMB to repair the damaged fence to stop people from crossing the train tracks.
Devadass said some people were taking the easy way out to get to and from Jalan Gedung Raja Abdullah and Jalan Tepi Sungai.
“Fences are there to deter residents from Jalan Tepi Sungai crossing over to Jalan Gedung Raja Abdullah as a short cut to Klang’s Little India,” he said.
Crossing the railway track, he said, had become riskier due to the fast-moving electric commuter trains unlike the slower and noisier cargo trains.
“This has increased the likelihood of accidents when crossing the tracks,” he said
Oblivious to the danger, a man crosses the rail tracks.
Devadass said it was impossible for oncoming trains to stop in time to avoid a collision due to their sheer size and weight.
He urged KTMB to immediately repair the broken fence.
On Oct 10, The Star reported KTMB stating that there had been 282 cases of people caught crossing the railway track between January and August this year.
KTMB had warned that those caught damaging the fence or encroaching into the tracks could face a fine of up to RM1,000.
When contacted a Railway Assets Corporation (RAC) spokesperson said workers have been deployed to inspect the situation in Klang.
