KUALA LUMPUR, 16 April 2020:
Rapid Rail Sdn Bhd today announced that all entry and exit points at the Masjid Jamek LRT Station Plaza next to OCBC Bank and Bank Muamalat here are temporarily closed from today till April 28.
In a statement, it said the temporary closure followed the government’s decision to impose an Enhanced Movement Control Order (EMCO) in Masjid India and its surrounding area, to curb the spread of Covid-19.
“However, the station’s entry and exit points next to Masjid Jamek are still open and the LRT services will contunie to run according to the operation hours allowed under the MCO.
“Users of Kelana Jaya or Ampang/Sri Petaling lines can only change trains at the Masjid Jamek LRT Station Plaza. Those heading to or from Sentul Timur, are advised to use the connection tunnel at the station to change lines and to exit or enter the station via the unclosed area (next to the mosque).”
The statement said the move was taken to help the authorities in reducing the movement of members of the public in the affected area.
Rapid Rail also reminded the public to comply with the MCO, maintain social distancing and plan their journeys following the temporary closure.
The government is mulling stationing police personnel at LRT and Mass Rail Transit (MRT) stations to ensure social distancing measures are observed.
Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the government is aware of the congestion taking place at several stations.
“If there is such issue (no social distancing), I will discuss with PDRM (the Royal Malaysia Police) on how we can station policemen or personnel of other enforcement agencies there,” he said at the daily press conference on the Movement Control Order (MCO) today.
Ismail Sabri who is also Defence Minister advised LRT and MRT users to be more disciplined and responsible by observing good social distancing practices to protect their health.
On the standard operating procedure (SOP) set for Malaysians and their families who returned from overseas after completing their 14 days’ quarantine at designated hotels, he said they would be allowed to return home after that period if all them were tested negative for Covid-19.
“Upon returning home, they need to follow the SOP set by the Health Ministry.”
Meanwhile, Ismail Sabri said the rent payment exemption for properties owned by private companies or individuals was beyond the government’s control.
“We have agreed to provide the exemption for houses which are owned by government agencies. However most of the properties are owned by individuals or private companies so it will be a bit difficult for the government to issue any directive on the matter and we are aware of this.”
– Bernama