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AT A GLANCE
- Pedestrian crisis: Just days after the LRT3 line opened on June 29, commuters heavily criticised the lack of safe pedestrian walkways around Shah Alam stations.
- Immediate fix: Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) announced the urgent construction of a 200-metre walkway at the Shah Alam Stadium station, to be completed within one month.
- Shared blame: MBSA stated earlier 2009 development approvals required Prasarana and local developers to construct the connecting paths, drawing public backlash over a lack of local council accountability.
SHAH ALAM - Just days after the LRT3 line began operations on June 29, attention shifted from the new rail service itself to what many commuters described as a major missing piece — safe pedestrian access.
Photos and videos circulating online triggered widespread criticism over the lack of proper walkways around several Shah Alam stations, prompting the Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) to announce immediate measures while explaining the responsibilities assigned during the project's planning stage.
Why Did The Issue Go Viral?
Following the launch of the LRT3 service on June 29, public criticism mounted over pedestrian conditions surrounding several stations in Shah Alam, particularly Shah Alam Stadium, Dato Menteri and Kerjaya stations.
Instagram page @kakijalankaki highlighted the issue, writing:
"The LRT 3 is now operational, but the areas surrounding the Stadium Shah Alam, Dato Menteri and Kerjaya stations still lack safe pedestrian walkways to nearby destinations.
"The local council should have carried out inspections and ensured that pedestrian access was fully in place before the stations opened, rather than only taking action after receiving complaints from the public. Public transport infrastructure should not end at the station entrance alone."
The post attracted widespread reactions from residents and commuters, many questioning why supporting pedestrian infrastructure had not been completed despite the project taking nearly a decade to reach operation.
MBSA Announces Immediate Action
On July 1, MBSA responded by announcing plans to construct a 200-metre pedestrian walkway linking the Shah Alam Stadium LRT3 station to the traffic lights at the Persiaran Sukan–Persiaran Akuatik junction.
The council said construction would begin immediately and is expected to be completed within one month.
In a statement, MBSA acknowledged public feedback regarding pedestrian facilities at Dato Menteri, Shah Alam Stadium, Section 7 and Kerjaya stations.
"MBSA has taken into consideration the views and feedback from the public regarding pedestrian facilities at several LRT3 stations within the MBSA administrative area, particularly the Dato Menteri Station, Shah Alam Stadium Station, Section 7 Station and Kerjaya Station, which began operations last Monday.
"As an immediate measure, MBSA is committed to constructing a 200-metre pedestrian walkway connecting Shah Alam Stadium Station to the traffic lights at the Persiaran Sukan/Persiaran Akuatik junction within one month.
"MBSA remains committed to providing public facilities that are safe, comfortable and easily accessible,” the council said.
MBSA Says Walkways Were Already Required In Earlier Plans
The council explained that when development plans for the LRT3 stations were approved in 2019, it imposed conditions requiring pedestrian links between stations, nearby commercial developments and public facilities.
For Dato Menteri Station, MBSA said the approved plans required Prasarana to build a covered pedestrian walkway at least 1.5 metres wide connecting the station with the Shah Alam Convention Centre (SACC), PKNS Complex and Persiaran Bandaraya up to the Maybank building.
According to MBSA, construction is already underway and is expected to be completed by September.
The council added that surrounding developments by PKNS, Nexus Pace Sdn Bhd and Starhill Century Sdn Bhd were also required to provide additional pedestrian connections.
For Shah Alam Stadium Station, MBSA said Prasarana was required to construct walkways linking Jalan Lontar Peluru 13/39, Jalan Tukul Besi 13/41 and Persiaran Sukan near Management and Science University (MSU), while an existing pedestrian route to the replacement parking site was also to be upgraded.
It added that developers including MSU Aset Sdn Bhd, PKNS, Fernline Corporation Sdn Bhd, Moripark Sdn Bhd and Lebaran Prospek Sdn Bhd were required to complete the wider pedestrian network in phases.
MBSA also revealed that the contractor appointment process is underway for another connecting pedestrian walkway between Persiaran Akuatik and AEON Mall through an upgraded promenade.
Public Questions Planning And Accountability
Despite MBSA's explanation, many social media users questioned why pedestrian facilities were still incomplete when the railway had already opened.
Instagram user @meww111 wrote: "Malaysians deserve better."
Meanwhile, @suffeesamian commented: "It took 10 years for the construction of the LRT 3 to finish, but MBSA had no plan for a proper sidewalk. It is time for the new generation, the 90s generation to administer MBSA."
Another user, @sheahnee, questioned: "Sickening, as a Shah Alam resident, what am I actually paying my taxes for?"
Calls for greater accountability also surfaced.
@yasiar88 wrote: "Bring back local authority (PBT), the local government must be held responsible to the people."
On Threads, several users criticised MBSA's handling of the issue.
@rahman_hakir2026 said: "Previously, when the poor conditions outside the MSU station went viral, MBSA placed the blame on MSU. Now that similar issues have gone viral at three other stations, MBSA is attributing responsibility to Prasarana and property developers instead.
“It seems MBSA has no fault and has not made any mistake, constant victim mentality. They are one of the richest PBT in Malaysia, but their work is terrible. All who work in MBSA are clowns."
@kayson_0728 questioned: "Why are they blaming MSU? The university has been there for 15 years, while the LRT 3 project only began construction in 2016. MBSA is the one that failed to plan properly. Is it really MSU's responsibility to build the pedestrian walkways and overhead bridge?"
Others compared Shah Alam with neighbouring Klang.
@farhanashahira04 wrote: "Although the Royal Klang City Council (MBDK) is not as large as MBSA, I feel there is a noticeable difference in the quality of their pedestrian infrastructure. The sidewalks around Pasar Meru station are well developed.
While I am not sure about the situation at other stations in Klang, it is certainly better than the pedestrian facilities around Shah Alam's Dato Menteri station.”
@ejennsyahmixcel added: "Coincidentally, MBDK made full use of the repeatedly delayed opening of the LRT3 to ensure the stations throughout Klang were properly prepared and aesthetically improved. When I visited Klang last December, I saw MBDK carrying out renovations to the sidewalks."
Several users also called for wider reforms.
aimansarmin wrote: "It is time to bring back the PBT election. Today MBSA was heavily criticised and slammed on social media, but they blamed MSU and Prasarana."
Meanwhile, zikryzamir commented: "I can not understand why they even blamed the contractors who were responsible for the LRT 3 project. When in fact MBSA is the one who needs to monitor the progress."
Another user, @lulumeloncake, expressed hope that the public attention would lead to long-term improvements.
"The power of ‘viral’ has now prompted MBSA and politicians to come to the ground and address the issue. Let us continue making our voices heard and work towards a Shah Alam that is truly inclusive, with safe sidewalks, better accessibility for persons with disabilities (PwD) and infrastructure that supports micromobility.."
The episode has reignited broader discussions about whether supporting infrastructure should be completed before major public transport projects begin operations, as well as the responsibilities shared between local authorities, transport agencies and surrounding developers in delivering a safe, connected and accessible urban environment.
