KUALA LUMPUR — MRT Corp has found itself with the short end of the stick as seven trains under a close to RM600 million maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) contract have yet to be returned to service more than two years after being sent for works.
The contract, valued at close to RM600 million, was awarded to SMH Rail in July 2024 to carry out MRO works on 58 train sets operating on the Sungai Buloh-Kajang Line.
Payments under the contract are being made progressively based on the completion of agreed milestones, according to information gathered by Scoop.
However, a source familiar with the matter said the progress of the overhaul programme had fallen significantly behind schedule, raising concerns over the availability and condition of the fleet.
“Seven trains have recently been sent to SMH Rail’s workshop, but until today, none has been returned to Prasarana. The programme is already more than two years behind schedule,” the source said.
The source said the delay could result in the completion timeline being pushed beyond the original July 2028 target, potentially extending the programme into 2029 or 2030.
“Given the slow progress, the completion period may have to be extended further to 2029 or 2030, which could affect the overall condition and reliability of the trains,” the source said.
The source added that MRT Line 1’s fleet availability was currently a concern, with seven trains undergoing overhaul works at SMH Rail’s facility, 10 trains grounded while awaiting spare parts, and three more unavailable due to accidents.
This means only 38 out of the 58 train sets are currently fully serviceable for operations, the source said.
The source also said MRT Corp had granted two extensions of time (EOT) to SMH Rail to complete the required works.
SMH Rail is a privately owned Malaysian company and its shares are not publicly traded on any stock exchange.
The company’s founder, chairman and managing director is Datuk P.K. Nara, also known as Narayanan P. K. Menon, who is the majority owner.
Its executive leadership includes Zahrin Zaman, who serves as executive director, alongside other family members and business partners involved in the company’s management.
The MRT Line 1, also known as the Sungai Buloh-Kajang Line, began operations in 2016 and uses Siemens Inspiro train sets.
The MRO programme is intended to maintain the reliability, safety and operational readiness of the fleet as the trains continue to serve one of the Klang Valley’s busiest public transport corridors. – October 2, 2026