KUALA LUMPUR, 7 February – Rapid KL, which manages more than 1 million bus and rail guests daily in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor, has taken additional measures to minimise the risk of exposure to Coronavirus to safeguard the well-being of its staff and guests. These include compulsory health checks on bus captains before they are deployed to their respective routes.
“We have made the checking of temperature and health conditions of our bus captains mandatory. This is done every morning at all seven Rapid KL depots, as well as in Rapid Penang, Rapid Kuantan, Rapid Kamunting and Rapid Manjung.
Only those who are found to be fit and healthy can proceed with their driving duties. Bus captains and front-liner staff are also provided with face masks,” says Rapid Bus Chief Executive Officer, Encik Muhammad Yazurin Sallij.
Rapid KL operates more than 170 routes; spanning over 1,100 residential areas in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor.
Additional measures are also taken by Rapid Rail. Public service announcements on the harm caused by Coronavirus and precautionary steps that could be taken to minimise risks are played in LRT, MRT and monorail trains in addition to publishing infographics and latest updates on its social media network.
“Cleanliness of our trains and facilities has always been a top priority. All our trains are cleaned nightly during the engineering hours between 1 am to 4.30 am. All seats, handgrip and stanchions are wiped cleaned with detergent to ensure its cleanliness,” says Rapid Rail Chief Executive Officer, Encik Abdul Hadi Amran.
“Every morning between 5.30 am and 6.30 am, cleaners will clear rubbish bins around the station and platform areas, and then sweep and mop areas that need urgent cleaning. A more thorough cleaning and mopping works take place at the end of the morning’s peak hour to avoid disturbance to guests.
Escalator handrails and elevator buttons are wiped clean with approved detergent three times a day, while washrooms are cleaned eighteen times a day. Additional cleaning is done at all areas when the need arises.
“More importantly, we need the support of our guests to look after their personal health. Always stay safe by wearing a face mask and use hand sanitisers to maintain maximum hygiene during this outbreak. Hand sanitisers are provided at the staff counter and members of the public are welcomed to use these.” Encik Abdul Hadi adds.
Meanwhile, Dr. Tengku Saifudin Tengku Ismail, Consultant Physician at KPJ Tawakkal Specialist Hospital when contacted, reminded Rapid KL guests to clean their hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitisers frequently.
“Guests are advised to cover their noses and mouths when coughing and sneezing with tissue or flexed elbow. Do not consume raw or undercooked animal products or touch wild or farm animals with bare hands. Lastly, avoid close contact with anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms,” he added.
