PJ Section 5 residents: LRT still too noisy

PETALING JAYA (May 4): Section 5 folk here want Prasarana Malaysia Bhd to cut down the noise level of LRT trains that pass through their area, reported The Star today.

“We complained to Prasarana and though they sent their staff to check the noise level and carry out tests, no residents were present.

“The readings would vary in different areas along the track. And not all trains are the same, some are new while others require maintenance,” Section 5 resident Ruban Chelliah said.

In fact, he feels that the noise level had gone up over the years.

Section 5 PJ Residents Association president Ben Thompson told the daily that Prasarana should meet with residents so that they can show the company the loudest areas.

“One of the past committee members who was involved in the initial move to reduce noise levels after the LRT was first commissioned in 1998 said three measures were taken then.

“Certain areas near houses were made ‘a go-slow zone’, sound barriers were erected and water sprayers were installed onto the track.

“It would appear in recent years that maintenance is not being carried out the way it should be to reduce noise levels,” he revealed.

Bukit Gasing assemblyman Rajiv Rishyakaran said: “If the sound level exceeds the permissible level set by the Environment Department (DoE), Prasarana must take action.”

“They will have to do something to the tracks or trains to reduce noise or build a sound barrier,” he added.

Meanwhile, Prasarana Group communications head Rafizah Amran told The Star the company had conducted three tests between October 2018 and April 2019 (twice at Ruban’s residence, and once at a premises that is nearest to the LRT track).

“The results were between 66.2dBA and 71.3dBA, below the permissible limit set by DoE, which is 75.0dBA.

“In addition to meeting him (Ruban) personally, we have also taken the initiative to share these findings with the assemblyman responsible for the area,” she explained.