A fatal accident involving a Taiwanese man who fell onto the Light Rail Transit (LRT) tracks at Pusat Bandar Puchong has prompted renewed scrutiny over safety standards at Malaysia’s public transport hubs. Transport Minister Anthony Loke has since instructed Prasarana Malaysia Berhad, the LRT system operator, to accelerate the installation of platform screen doors across all LRT stations to prevent similar tragedies.
Evening Commute Turns Tragic
The victim, later identified as 63-year-old Chang Pao Shih from Kaohsiung, Taiwan, died on the evening of Tuesday, 3 June 2025, after reportedly falling onto the tracks at around 5.54pm. The Selangor Fire and Rescue Department received an emergency call at 6.05pm and swiftly deployed a team from the Subang Jaya fire station.
According to Assistant Director of Operations Ahmad Mukhlis Mukhtar, the man was found unconscious beneath the train tracks and was pronounced dead at the scene. Initial confusion surrounded his identity and the circumstances of the incident, but authorities later confirmed his nationality and retrieved his passport from the scene.
CCTV Footage Points to Accident
Transport Minister Loke, speaking at a press conference, confirmed that closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage showed the incident unfolding, and that there were no indications of foul play.
“A report was presented by Prasarana yesterday, and it was an accident whereby the person may not have been aware about the platform,” he stated. “Let the police do their investigation. The CCTV recording will be shared with the police so they can conduct a detailed probe.”
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been informed to coordinate with the Taiwanese embassy to assist in notifying and supporting the victim’s next of kin.
Safety Barriers Now a Priority
In light of the incident, Loke announced a renewed commitment to installing platform screen doors — physical safety barriers between the platform and the train tracks — at all LRT stations. These doors are already standard at MRT stations and some monorail stops, but many older stations on the Ampang and Sri Petaling lines still operate without them.
“I’ve asked Prasarana to make the necessary arrangements. They are currently in the planning stage and we hope to push this initiative forward,” Loke said, noting that the installation process will require substantial financial support.
“To retrofit older stations with these doors will incur a huge cost and we will need additional budgets,” he acknowledged. Nevertheless, the minister emphasised that improving commuter safety must remain a national priority.
Previous Incidents Sparked Earlier Warnings
This is not the first time an LRT fatality has raised alarm bells. In February 2025, a visually impaired man died after falling onto the tracks at the Titiwangsa station. That case had already drawn criticism towards the Ministry of Transport, with the public demanding urgent improvements to station safety.
Following the February incident, Loke announced that his ministry would explore the use of “smart” CCTV systems capable of detecting erratic or risky behaviour. However, the most recent fatality has added urgency to calls for more tangible infrastructure upgrades, particularly the installation of physical barriers.
Public Reaction: Grief and Frustration
News of Chang’s death prompted an outpouring of sympathy from netizens, many of whom offered condolences to the victim’s family. However, there was also significant anger directed at the authorities, particularly over perceived delays in implementing promised safety measures.
On social media platforms, users highlighted the risks posed by overcrowded platforms during peak hours, and expressed fear that more deaths could occur if stronger preventive measures are not introduced soon.
“Enough promises — it’s time for action,” one user commented on RapidKL’s official account. Others called for regular audits of station safety and the inclusion of clearer warning signs and visual cues for passengers.
Here’s some of the comments:
Bila nak pasang pagar, bodoh @anthonyloke
— Edmund 🇲🇾 (Survived Ten Hag) (@edmundkjq) June 3, 2025
memang takde polis bantuan ke???
— Wanarat Wong || Offroad Saechua (@offroadsaechua_) June 4, 2025
Why do we always only take action after an incident?
— Richie (@kiyou_san11) June 4, 2025
Loke is always reactive…. Too busy with delivering car plate onto VIPS?
— CondorHeroesReturns (@Condorretu58866) June 4, 2025
Looking Ahead: From Tragedy to Reform
While the investigation into Chang Pao Shih’s death is ongoing, the spotlight has returned to the broader issue of public transport safety in Malaysia. With two deaths on the LRT system in under six months, many are asking how many more lives must be lost before lasting change is implemented.
For now, the government’s pledge to upgrade station infrastructure — beginning with platform screen doors — may be seen as a crucial, albeit overdue, step towards safer travel for all.
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media & various cross-references for context.
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