PETALING JAYA: The legal suit against the Kelana Jaya LRT owner and operator filed by a victim of the 2021 LRT collision should be expeditiously settled out of court, instead of being prolonged, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.
Dr Wee, who was Transport Minister when the incident occurred on May 24 that year, urged the government to pay Florence Lee, 57, who claimed for loss of income and medical bills amounting to RM113,524.08.
“I urge the government to immediately seek her out, assess her claims, and settle this case out of court by immediately paying what is due to her,” he said in a statement yesterday.
Dr Wee said Lee should be treated humanely by the Madani government, instead of being put through court proceedings that could take years and at significant costs to the government and the courts.
“She has suffered injuries and emotional damage through no fault of hers.
“She has already suffered since three years ago. The government should not make her suffer further by having to wait and incur another four years of legal bills while waiting for the hearings to start in 2028,” said Dr Wee, who is MCA president.
He urged the Finance Ministry to step in and help, given that both Prasarana Malaysia Bhd and Rapid Rail Sdn Bhd are entities under the Minister of Finance (Incorporated).
“Certainly, the Finance Ministry can take proactive action to provide the best solution to the victim.”
Lee filed the suit in December last year, naming Prasarana Malaysia Bhd and its subsidiary, Rapid Rail Sdn Bhd, as defendants whom she accused of failing to ensure her safety, security and well-being when she used the LRT.
Kuala Lumpur High Court justice Shahrir Salleh fixed Jan 10 to 13, 2028, for trial at case management last week.
The Kelana Jaya LRT collision on May 24 occurred at about 8.45pm in a tunnel between the KLCC and Kampung Baru stations, resulting in 260 people injured, 47 of them seriously.
A special investigation panel team led by the Transport Ministry had proposed 23 recommendations to improve the operational and safety aspects of LRT services after determining the circumstances leading to the collision.
In response, Prasarana said 90 passengers involved in the incident have received financial assistance, with several claims having been amicably resolved.
“Soon after the incident, Prasarana reached out to all the passengers involved, offering special financial assistance and counselling,” the company said in a statement yesterday.
The extended financial assistance included, among other things, medical expenses and follow-up treatment.
“Prasarana remains steadfast in offering support to those involved in the incident and has been actively exploring a fair resolution with those involved through its insurer, Allianz General Insurance Company (Malaysia) Bhd,” it said.
“Prasarana wishes to reiterate its continued readiness to explore a fair resolution of matters and is taking steps to engage in discussions with those involved,” it said, adding that it remains committed to resolving the matter and will continue to be open to reasonable proposals for resolution.
