Enhancing Safety for Disabled Passengers in Malaysia’s LRT System

On February 22, 2025, a visually impaired passenger sadly lost his life after falling onto the tracks at Titiwangsa LRT Station and being hit by an approaching train. The accident, which occurred at 7:45 AM and was confirmed by Rapid Rail, has raised serious concerns about the safety and accessibility of Malaysia’s Light Rail Transit (LRT) system. Reports indicate that the victim lost his balance and fell from the platform onto the tracks. Emergency services arrived quickly, but the victim was declared dead at the scene. This incident caused significant service disruptions along the Ampang/Sri Petaling Line, leading to the temporary suspension of services at four stations. Alternative transportation, including free shuttle bus services, was made available for affected passengers.

This situation underscores significant shortcomings in safety protocols for passengers with disabilities, especially for those who are visually impaired. Although the Persons with Disabilities Act 2008 (PWDA) requires public transport to be accessible, numerous current LRT stations are missing vital safety elements like platform screen doors (PSDs), AI-driven monitoring systems, and thorough accessibility facilities. The four primary safety issues at Malaysia’s LRT stations include the lack of platform screen doors (PSD), inconsistent tactile and audio guidance, absence of AI-based monitoring and motion sensors, and insufficient support for disabled passengers.

The absence of Platform Screen Doors (PSDs)

Numerous LRT stations in Malaysia do not have physical barriers separating the platform from the train tracks, raising significant safety concerns. This situation underscores the pressing need for enhanced safety measures within the country’s LRT system. Platform Screen Doors (PSDs) have been successfully implemented in major cities such as Singapore (where full-height PSDs are present at all underground stations and half-height at select above-ground stations), Hong Kong (where they are used across all metro lines, greatly enhancing passenger safety), Tokyo (which is gradually introducing PSDs, focusing on high-traffic stations and areas with vulnerable populations), and Seoul (where PSDs have been installed in almost all stations, leading to a decrease in accidents and improved air quality). These barriers are essential for protecting passengers, especially those with visual impairments, by preventing accidental falls onto the tracks.

Up to 90% of track-related incidents can be avoided with PSDs, according to studies and empirical evidence. Following PSD installation at strategic stations, the London Underground reported a 50% decrease in passenger occurrences, while following full PSD implementation, unintentional falls were almost eliminated in Singapore’s MRT and Hong Kong’s MTR. PSDs make sure that people with vision impairments can only board when the train is correctly positioned in relation to the platform doors. PSDs are also used in several nations as a way to limit illegal access to the tracks and prevent suicides. Despite being the most effective solution, platform screen doors (PSDs) are difficult to install in Malaysian LRT stations due to structural and economical constraints. Depending on the door type, system integration, and station design, the estimated cost of installing PSDs ranges from RM 5-7 million per station. However, through increased ridership, operational efficiency, and accident cost reductions, PSD investments can pay for themselves in 7–10 years.

Many of Malaysia’s older stations were not built to support PSDs in the first place, therefore major platform and signalling system modifications are required. Furthermore, the curved curvature of some platforms makes it more difficult to install ordinary sliding PSD panels. It might cost more than RM 1 billion to retrofit every LRT station, which would be a significant financial investment. Because they are more affordable, half-height retractable barriers—which cost about RM 2-3 million per station—have been chosen by numerous nations.

Inconsistent Tactile and Audio Guidance

Ensuring that public transportation is accessible is essential for passengers with disabilities, especially those who are visually impaired. However, Malaysia’s LRT stations exhibit considerable inconsistencies in tactile paving, braille signage, and audio announcements, which complicate and jeopardize navigation for these individuals. Some stations lack, have damaged, or improperly installed tactile paving, hindering visually impaired passengers from safely detecting platform edges or navigating the station layout. For instance, Tokyo Metro employs high-contrast tactile paving and LED floor indicators to assist visually impaired passengers in safely navigating platforms. The safety of passengers who are blind or disabled on train platforms is greatly enhanced by tactile pavement and auditory guide systems. Depending on their efficacy and upkeep, studies and practical applications indicate that these systems can cut track-related accidents by 40% to 60%. By combining Braille signage, tactile pavement, and real-time audio notifications, Japanese train stations greatly lower the number of track accidents involving passengers with disabilities.

However, not all LRT stations offer braille instructions at ticket machines, elevators, or on station maps. Furthermore, audio announcements regarding train arrivals and safety alerts are inconsistent, leaving passengers with hearing or visual impairments unaware of platform safety and train schedules. Moreover, stations could implement platform gap fillers to decrease the space between the train and platform, thereby reducing the risk of falls, similar to the measures taken by the New York Subway system. However, retrofitting all LRT stations with appropriate tactile paving, audio systems, and braille signage could cost between RM 500,000 and RM 1 million per station. While installing platform gap fillers is less expensive than full platform screen doors, it still requires a substantial budget.

Lack of AI-Based Monitoring and Motion Sensors

Malaysia’s LRT system currently depends on CCTV for station security, but these cameras do not offer real-time AI monitoring to identify when passengers are too close to the platform edge or if someone has fallen onto the tracks. This slow response can heighten the risk of serious accidents, as station staff may not immediately notice a passenger in trouble. This shortcoming poses a greater danger, especially for visually impaired and disabled individuals. In contrast, Japan Railways (JR) employs advanced AI monitoring to detect unusual passenger movements and initiate emergency responses before incidents happen. JR’s AI surveillance can recognize atypical behaviours, such as disoriented movements or sudden falls, and automatically notifies station staff if a passenger seems to be in distress. Similarly, Seoul Metro utilizes motion sensors along platform edges that trigger alarms and warning lights when someone enters a hazardous area.

The installation and integration of AI-powered CCTV and motion sensor systems require a substantial financial commitment. Moreover, AI monitoring demands high-speed internet and real-time data processing, which could put pressure on the current LRT network infrastructure. The projected cost for complete AI implementation ranges from RM 10-20 million. As an alternative, AI CCTV could be deployed at high-risk stations such as KL Sentral, Titiwangsa, and Masjid Jamek. Additionally, motion sensors can be placed at platform edges as a more affordable interim safety solution. It is essential for these motion sensors to be weather-resistant and capable of withstanding Malaysia’s humid environment to guarantee their long-term effectiveness.

Limited Assistance for Disabled Passengers

The LRT stations in Malaysia often encounter difficulties in adequately assisting disabled passengers, especially those with visual impairments. A significant issue is the lack of sufficient staffing, leading to delayed responses in emergencies and insufficient immediate help for those needing guidance to navigate the platform safely. At many stations, employees are primarily located at ticket counters, leaving the platforms unattended. This situation heightens the risk of accidents since there is no on-the-spot assistance to direct disabled passengers. Another key problem is the absence of real-time detection systems that could notify station staff when a disabled passenger needs assistance. Presently, in the event of an accident, staff depend on CCTV footage or reports from witnesses, which slows down their response. In the absence of an automated system, visually impaired and disabled passengers may find it challenging to receive prompt support.

In order to improve safety and accessibility for passengers with disabilities, operators should designate personnel to specific lanes for disabled travellers, ensuring that help is readily available. Establishing a volunteer program with trained community members or university students to assist disabled passengers during busy times could be a viable solution. Additionally, installing call buttons near platform entrances and implementing tactile paving would allow disabled passengers to easily request assistance. Technological solutions such as motion sensors could be utilized to detect unusual movements (like someone standing too close to the platform edge for an extended time) and notify staff.

Enhancing LRT Safety through the Persons with Disabilities Act 2008 (PWDA)

The Persons with Disabilities Act 2008 (PWDA) represents an essential legal framework in Malaysia designed to ensure equal access and safety for individuals with disabilities, including those who depend on public transportation systems like the LRT. Malaysian LRT operators should incorporate comprehensive safety measures into their platform designs in order to comply. The act assigns transport operators the duty to guarantee that all passengers, irrespective of their physical capabilities, can utilize public transport safely and independently. Nevertheless, recent events, such as the incident involving a visually impaired passenger at Titiwangsa LRT Station, underscore the pressing need for more stringent enforcement of PWDA regulations.

Under the PWDA, transport providers are required to incorporate universal design elements. Barrier-free access, tactile guidance, and platform safety are given priority in the Persons with Disabilities Act 2008 (PWDA), which requires accessible infrastructure. For travellers with disabilities, features like ramps, elevators, reserved seating, and audio-visual announcements improve safety and freedom. Accessibility is further enhanced by skilled personnel, AI surveillance, and Platform Screen Doors (PSDs). Universal design principles are in line with the implementation of priority boarding, fare discounts, and yearly accessibility audits. Equal mobility for all can be ensured by incorporating these solutions into Malaysia’s LRT system, making it safer, more inclusive, and completely compatible with PWDA. Additionally, the operator must adopt safety protocols to avoid incidents involving passengers with disabilities. Lastly, it is essential to adhere to international accessibility guidelines. Routine assessments should be carried out to confirm that all stations satisfy safety and accessibility requirements.

Future Planning: Call For Action

Notwithstanding the obstacles presented by expenses, insufficient policies, and limited infrastructure, Malaysia ought to prioritize passenger safety and accessibility. Enhancing LRT safety without placing a heavy financial burden on the public sector is possible through carefully thought-out government policies, incremental investments, and collaborations with the business sector. By implementing a phased rollout strategy, railway operators can lower costs while increasing safety. They should concentrate on high-risk stations like KL Sentral, Titiwangsa, and Masjid Jamek first, allowing costs to be spread out over five to ten years. Furthermore, Malaysia could save about RM 500 million by implementing half-height barriers and AI-driven surveillance instead of installing Platform Screen Doors (PSDs) at every station. PSDs, AI monitoring, and accessibility improvements can be funded by public-private partnerships (PPPs) through tech partnerships or business sponsorships. The requirement for expensive new installations can be reduced by making use of existing infrastructure, for as by integrating AI into CCTV systems. Financial pressures might also be lessened by government grants and incentives. Additionally, operators should think about less expensive options like motion sensors and LED warning lights, which provide instant safety at a lower cost.

The Ampang Line of the LRT reports 5,583,947 passengers per month as of January 2025. Thus, by raising the ticket price by RM 0.10 to RM 0.20, the operator might impose a passenger safety fee without burdening passengers, as is the case in other nations. This would generate at least RM 6.6 million to RM 13.2 million yearly. With little impact on passengers, this program might successfully support financing for safety upgrades like motion sensors, tactile pavement, or AI monitoring systems. Fare modifications have been used by the MRT in Singapore and the MTR in Hong Kong to fund long-term infrastructure projects. In a similar vein, Japan Railways (JR) reinvests a percentage of its ticket sales into platform safety and AI monitoring improvements. The government might also pay for it by dispersing subsidies for public transportation or offering tax breaks to private companies that make investments in railway safety. Railway operators can attain excellent safety standards without incurring significant costs by using their resources effectively.

In conclusion, specialized amenities and services for passengers with disabilities are in line with the goals of Malaysia’s Madani transport system, which prioritize social justice, accessibility, and inclusivity. Person with disabilities can fully engage in economic, social, and cultural activities when public transportation is accessible, which lessens social isolation.