The second phase of the 51km Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) Sungai Buloh-Kajang (SBK) line was officially launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak this morning
Phase 2 of the line runs from the Semantan station to the Kajang Station and has 19 stations across 30 km. This follows the launch of Phase 1 of the SBK line, which was opened by Najib last December.
The MRT-SBK line has a total of 31 stations, with seven of them underground, namely Muzium Negara, Pasar Seni, Merdeka, Bukit Bintang, Tun Razak Exchange, Cochrane and Maluri.
In his speech today, Najib said the completion of the SBK line was at the top of his priority list, as he knew that residents of the Klang Valley badly needed a modern, efficient, reliable and safe mode of transportation.
“I know that traffic congestion has become a regular occurrence on our roads due to the lack of focus on public transport previously. Commuting has become stressful with hours which could be better spent productively, or being with loved ones, wasted on the road.
“The government will continue to place emphasis on developing more public transport projects under ‘Projek Infra Rakyat’, so that the public will be able to enjoy the benefits of such projects,” he said.
Najib added that other people-centric projects are being considered, including the MRT3 or the Circle Line.
“I am told that the feasibility study for (the MRT3) has been completed and the views of authorities and stakeholders are currently being sought. The study will be tabled at the National Economic Council early this September.
“As with the first two MRT lines, I am very keen to see the MRT3 built. The government will do all it can, including ensuring funding, in order to be able to develop this line as soon as possible,” he said.
The Prime Minister said there was no reason why further MRT lines beyond MRT 3 should not be looked at.
“Kuala Lumpur and the Klang valley, as well as other urban areas will continue to grow and the need for modern, efficient and sustainable modes of transportation will follow.
“In view of this, studies and planning for new MRT lines should be done now so that we are not too late in meeting this need,” he added.