The PIES system stops a train approaching the platform immediately when it detects an “object” falling onto the tracks.

Loke said the system was functioning as usual but since the train had already reached its destination, the incident could not be avoided, Bernama reported.

“Sometimes if an object falls (on the tracks), the system will shut down.

“But it just so happened that the train had already arrived (at the station), so it did not have time to shut down immediately.

“So this is not because the system (PIES) failed,” he said after launching the Ipoh BAS.MY in Ipoh today.

Last Saturday, a visually impaired man was run over and killed by a train after falling on the Titiwangsa LRT track.

Loke said the incident was still under investigation.

He said the transport ministry will improve the safety infrastructure at all LRT stations, especially those that have been operating for a long time, including the Titiwangsa station.

This will include installing passenger doors that block the gap between the station platform and the train.

“Titiwangsa station, for example, does not have a passenger door. It has been operating for more than 20 years and we hope that we can improve the facilities at those stations for better passenger safety.

“But it will certainly take time because we are doing it in phases,” Loke said.

As an immediate step, the ministry had asked security personnel at the stations to be more vigilant to ensure the safety of all passengers, especially the disabled, is guaranteed.

On the upcoming Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration, Loke said additional tickets for Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) trips, including the electric train service (better known as the ETS), would be added.

“Bus companies are also encouraged to start applying for additional or temporary permits and we will give approval for additional trips. KTM will also increase its trips,” he said.