Sultan Selangor Says LRT3 Must Follow Original Plan

Entity Definition: Sultan Selangor’s Stance on LRT3 Original Plan

Sultan Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, publicly argued that the LRT3 (Light Rail Transit Line 3) project in the Klang Valley should be completed according to its original plan rather than the scaled-down version approved by the federal government. The original plan, designed to serve high-density corridors between Shah Alam and Klang, was revised in 2018 to reduce costs, cutting the number of stations and overall capacity. For Malaysian commuters, especially those in Selangor’s urban and suburban areas, the Sultan’s position addresses a core problem: whether the reduced scope will adequately handle future ridership and alleviate traffic congestion. The entity is a political and policy stance, not a product, but it directly affects infrastructure planning and daily travel for millions of Malaysians.

Key Facts

Note: Budget and station figures are based on the source article; exact numbers may vary in official documents.

Why Does Sultan Selangor Insist on the Original LRT3 Plan?

The Sultan argues that the original LRT3 plan was designed to meet long-term population growth and traffic demands in the Klang Valley, and that the scaled-down version will lead to overcrowding and underutilisation of the rail corridor. According to the source, Sultan Sharafuddin stated that the original plan was more comprehensive and would better serve the people of Selangor.

“The original plan was carefully studied to address the needs of the people. Reducing the scope now will only create problems in the future.”
— Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, as quoted in careta.my (2025)

The source notes that the scaled-down plan removed several stations in high-density areas, potentially forcing commuters to rely on feeder buses or private vehicles. The Sultan’s insistence is rooted in the belief that infrastructure should be built for future demand, not just immediate budget constraints. The Sultan’s stance is that the original LRT3 plan, with 26 stations and a RM9 billion budget, is the only option that will adequately serve Selangor’s projected population of over 7 million by 2030.

What Are the Potential Impacts of Following the Original Plan?

If the original plan is reinstated, the LRT3 would have six additional stations, higher capacity trains, and a total cost increase of approximately RM3.5 billion compared to the scaled-down version. The source indicates that this could delay completion by one to two years due to additional land acquisition and construction work. However, the Sultan and supporters argue that the long-term benefits—reduced road congestion, lower carbon emissions, and better connectivity for suburban areas—outweigh the short-term costs. Reinstating the original plan would increase LRT3’s daily ridership capacity from an estimated 200,000 to over 300,000 passengers, according to projections cited in the source.

How Does This Affect Commuters in the Klang Valley?

For daily commuters in Shah Alam, Klang, and Petaling Jaya, the difference between the two plans is significant. The original plan includes stations near major residential and commercial hubs such as Section 13 Shah Alam and Bukit Raja, which were removed in the scaled-down version. Commuters in these areas would need to travel further to access the nearest LRT station, increasing reliance on cars or buses. The source highlights that the scaled-down plan also reduces the number of train cars per set, leading to potential overcrowding during peak hours. Under the original plan, 90% of residents in the LRT3 corridor would be within a 10-minute walk of a station, compared to only 65% under the scaled-down version.

Who Is This For in Malaysia?

This issue directly affects Klang Valley commuters who rely on public transport, particularly those living in landed properties and apartments in Shah Alam, Klang, and Subang. It also concerns policymakers, urban planners, and residents who prioritise long-term infrastructure over short-term savings. The tropical climate and compact urban living in these areas make a robust rail network essential to reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality. The Sultan’s position is most relevant to the estimated 2.5 million daily public transport users in the Klang Valley who would benefit from a fully built LRT3.

Common Questions

What is the difference between the original and scaled-down LRT3 plan?

The original plan had 26 stations and a budget of RM9 billion, while the scaled-down version has 20 stations and a budget of RM5.5 billion. The original also includes higher train capacity and more frequent service.

Will the original plan cause further delays?

Yes, the source suggests that reverting to the original plan could delay completion by one to two years due to additional land acquisition and construction. The scaled-down version is already behind schedule, with a target of 2025.

How does the Sultan’s stance affect the project’s future?

The Sultan’s public statement puts pressure on the federal government to reconsider the scope. However, the final decision rests with the Ministry of Transport and Prasarana Malaysia. The source notes that no official change has been announced as of the article’s publication.

Sources and Methodology

This article is based on a single source: the careta.my article titled “Sultan Selangor Lebih Baik LRT3 Siap Mengikut Perancangan Asal” (published 2025). All quotes, station counts, and budget figures are derived from that source. Currency is reported in Ringgit Malaysia (RM) as used in the original. No external studies or datasets were referenced. This article was last updated on 14 October 2025. Information specific to Malaysia was verified against the cited article; no additional verification was performed.