Last Updated: 6:16pm, Sep 30, 2013

KUALA LUMPUR (Sept 30): The extension projects of the Kelana Jaya and Ampang Light Rail Transit (LRT) lines are delayed by 19.8% and is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2016.

In a written reply to Tony Pua (DAP-Petaling Jaya Utara), Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said the delay was caused by problems in the construction, especially technical issues.

They included the difficulty in locating the cables and underground pipes, and the  shifting of cables and underground pipes before the placing of supporting structures of the line.

Another problem was the changes in the design of the support structures in accordance to the soil and geology of the construction area.

"Therefore, the delay in the project is to overcome technical problems as the safety of the people is of utmost importance," said Najib.

He said currently, the main construction work carried out was piling, construction of LRT stations and guideways.

Despite the delay, he said there was no additional cost incurred and the current cost of RM8 billion stays.

"For now, there is no increase in cost of the project as the packages for the construction work was done with integrity via open tender," he said.

The Kelana Jaya LRT line extension project has seen objections from the Putra Heights-Subang Alam residents due to safety concerns.

A group of residents who set up the Subang Alam-Putra Heights LRT task force had opposed the alignment because of safety issues after they were revealed in 2009.

According to a 2011 study by UKM professor Dr Tajul Anuar Jamaluddin, whose opinion was sought by the residents, the area was found to be unsuitable as the ground was largely made up of clay and cracked granite, which would be precarious and make it expensive to lay rail tracks.

The line will also pass by an artificial lake and an electric transmission line, posing danger to nearby houses.

The Kelana Jaya line will extend 17km and the Ampang line will extend 17.7km to end at Putra Heights.

Both lines will sport 20 stations.

It was reported the entire project consisting of the Kelana Jaya line and the Ampang line has a combined total of between 40 and 50 contracts.

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