As rail systems age, critical components become increasingly vulnerable to wear and failure.
PETALING JAYA: Repeated rail disruptions across Malaysia’s urban transit network point to deeper structural strain linked to ageing infrastructure and delayed renewal planning, rather than isolated technical faults, experts say.
Universiti Putra Malaysia Civil Engineering Department head Assoc Prof Dr Fauzan Mohd Jakarni said the pattern of breakdowns reflects the natural lifecycle of heavily-utilised systems operating beyond their prime.
“Major rail disruptions rarely come out of nowhere. Like any ageing machine, the warning signs often appear first, until one day the problems become too big to ignore.”
His remarks come amid a string of service disruptions across the rail network in recent months, underscoring mounting pressure on ageing systems.
Among the most affected is the Kelana Jaya LRT Line, which has seen repeated breakdowns. First launched in 1998, the system is approaching three decades in operation.
Fauzan said as rail systems age, critical components become increasingly vulnerable to wear and failure.
“The challenge is not just that components get old, but that they also become less forgiving,” he said, adding that even minor faults could escalate quickly in high-demand urban systems.
He added that during peak hours, the margin for error becomes extremely small.
“A single train fault could trigger cascading delays, overcrowded platforms and widespread commuter frustration.
“In an automated system, safety responses are designed to be cautious, which is the right thing to do. However, that also means a small fault could still create a large operational effect.”
He said while it is possible to extend the lifespan of ageing trains, he emphasised that such measures come with clear limitations.
“That could be done through overhauls, replacement of critical parts, stronger diagnostics and stricter maintenance discipline.
“However, extending lifespan is not the same as restoring full reliability. An old train could still be kept safe, but it may not always deliver the same dependable service as a newer fleet.”
He also said operators must shift from reactive maintenance to a more preventive approach, focusing on identifying recurring failure points before they disrupt service.
Fauzan also highlighted the importance of spare parts availability, adding that delays in sourcing components could prolong downtime and worsen disruptions.
“Maintenance planning is not just about workshop activity, it is also about supply chains, readiness and response time.”
He added that beyond technical fixes, the issue should now be viewed as a broader public service concern rather than purely an engineering problem.
He called for a clear and transparent recovery plan outlining how reliability would be improved in the near term, alongside stronger accountability mechanisms.
Fauzan also highlighted gaps in long-term lifecycle planning as a key contributor to the current situation.
He said public transport systems often receive the most attention during their launch or expansion phases, with less focus on sustaining reliability as infrastructure ages.