Tag Archives: Rapid KL

Did Kelana Jaya LRT Fail Due To Cracked Software?!

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Did the Kelana Jaya LRT service fail because Prasarana used cracked software downloaded on BitTorrent?!

Take a look at the viral claim, and find out what the facts really are!

 

Claim : Kelana Jaya LRT Failed After Using Cracked Software!

After the Kelana Jaya LRT service was shut down for a week after multiple failures, this message went viral on WhatsApp and social media, claiming that it was due to the use of cracked software Prasarana downloaded on the BitTorrent network!

LRT KELANA JAYA MALFUNCTION DUE TO CRACKED SOFTWARE THAT PRASARANA USED IN THEIR SYSTEM. THIS MAY CAUSED BY LIMITATION OF SOME ACCESS DUE TO NEW UPDATE TO THE SOFTWARE. ISSUE HAS BEEN HIGHLIGHTED TO HIGHER MANAGEMENT TO PURCHASE THE SOFTWARE BUT PRASARANA DECIDED TO DOWNLOAD IT USING TORRENT.

 

Truth : Kelana Jaya LRT Did Not Fail Because Of Cracked Software!

This is yet another example of FAKE NEWS circulating on WhatsApp and social media, and here are the reasons why…

Fact #1 : Kelana Jaya LRT Problems Due To ATC System Failure

On 9 November 2022, Prasarana conducted a special media briefing, in which it confirmed that the failures encountered by the Kelana Jaya LRT service was due to its malfunctioning Automatic Train Control (ATC) system.

In fact, they were forced to turn it off several times, and resort to manually driving the trains, which caused further delays to their train schedules.

Prasarana CEO admitted that they knew about the problem earlier, and had already approved the RM150 million ATC system replacement, but it would take a few months to complete.

Fact #2 : ATC System Is More Than Just Software

From what I can find out, the Kelana Jaya LRT service is using the SelTrac Communications Based Train Control (CBTC) signalling system from the Thales Group.

This automatic train control system is a combination of both communications and control hardware on the train, communications and control in the trains and station, as well as both hardware and software in the Operation Control Centre.

This isn’t like your typical Windows PC, where you can just mix and match compatible components, and then install and run cracked versions of Microsoft Office or Photoshop, to get some work done.

That’s why the ATC system replacement that Prasarana approved in October 2022 would take several months to complete. It isn’t simply a matter of installing new software.

The ATC system used in the Kelana Jaya LRT line is more than 24 years old. Not only is the software outdated, the hardware is likely way past its lifespan!

Fact #3 : Unlikely For Thales ATC Software To Feature Copy Protection

Automatic train control (ATC) software is proprietary and designed to work only with specific hardware. So it is unlikely that Thales would bother to add copy protection to their ATC software.

There is no reason for them to add copy protection, because no one would be able to use it with other hardware. They can reverse-engineer and learn from the software, but not actually do anything with it.

In short, even if someone gets a copy of the Thales ATC software, there is no need for him/her to “crack” the software to share them on BitTorrent.

Even if you get a copy of the Thales ATC software, what are you going to install it on? Your laptop? To run what? Your kids’ toy train set??

Fact #4 : Thales ATC Software Isn’t On BitTorrent

BitTorrent is a peer-to-peer file sharing network, which people use to share files with each other.

Because the files being shared are stored on your computer, generally people will only share popular files – music, videos, and yes, games and office applications.

Thales automatic train control (ATC) system software is sadly, much too niche to be found on the BitTorrent network.

A search for everything Thales related, only shows three files with Thales in their name and none of them have anything to do with trains, or even software. In fact, all three are just ebooks.

  • Thales the Measurer
  • Unlocking the Customer Value Chain by These S Telxelra, Greg Piechota EPUB
  • Drawing Physics – 2,600 Years of Discovery from Thales to Higgs (2017) (Pub) Gooner

No matter what we may think of Prasarana, it’s really stupid to suggest that they would even be able to find a cracked version of the latest Thales ATC software on BitTorrent!

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He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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Why Kelana Jaya LRT Line Shuts Down For 1 Week!

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Find out why Rapid KL shut down the Kelana Jaya LRT line for a whole week!

 

Kelana Jaya LRT Line Shuts Down For 1 Week!

At 4:55 AM on 9 November 2022, Rapid KL announced that they are suspending sixteen stations on the Kelana Jaya LRT line for 7 days!

In addition, all other LRT stations will end their services earlier at 11 PM. Here is their official notice, with my English translation:

Kemaskini Gangguan Perkhidmatan LRT Laluan Kelana Jaya:

16 stesen LRT dari Stesen Kelana Jaya hingga Stesen Ampang Park digantung operasi selama 7 hari bermula hari ini.

Lain-lain stesen beroperasi seperti biasa dan akan menamatkan perkhidmatan lebih awal iaitu pada jam 11 malam.

Terima kasih

Kelana Jaya Line LRT Service Interruption Update:

16 LRT stations from Kelana Jaya Station to Ampang Park Station are suspended for 7 days starting today.

Other stations will operate as usual and will end services earlier at 11pm.

Thank you

 

Kelana Jaya LRT Line Disruption Caused By ATC System

At a special media briefing at 10:30 AM on Wednesday, 9 November 2022, Prasarana CEO Mohd Azharuddin Mat Shah stated that the disruption of the Kelana Jaya LRT line was due to faulty electronic components in its Automatic Train Control (ATC) system.

The disruption, which resulted in the loss of signal between the control centre and also the trains caused the trains to be dysfunctional automatically between the Kelana Jaya station and the Ampang Park station.

This is a serious problem that has never happened before. Rapid Rail is assisted by a special team from original equipment manufacturer (OEM) Thales Group from Toronto, Canada, to find short and long-term solutions. This includes tests on existing devices and software.

Efforts will be made by RapidRail to address the problem. Free feeder bus service will be provided for passengers and to reduce congestion at the affected stations.

He said that as of 11 AM today, Rapid KL has provided 69 feeder buses to ferry passengers for free on the Kelana Jaya LRT route.

The 7-day shut down will give Rapid KL engineers time to analyse and identify the problem, and hopefully solve the problem long enough for an ATC replacement to be completed.

In response to a question, Prasarana CEO Mohd Azharuddin Mat Shah said that they had already foreseen the need to replace the ATC system because it’s at the end of its lifespan, and will upgrade it after this incident.

However, he shared that the RM150 million ATC system replacement will take a few months.

Recommended : Where + How To Renew Driving Licence In Malaysia!

 

Kelana Jaya Line LRT Line Has Been Problematic Lately

The Kelana Jaya line has been beset by problems since Saturday, 5 November, but the biggest problems were seen in the last 2 days.

Rapid KL had to issue a flurry of social media updates, and send out shuttle buses, as frustrated passengers waited futilely at LRT stations for hours.

Monday, 7 November 2022

11:47 AM : Rapid KL reported technical issues between KLCC and Ampang Park.

12:17 PM : Rapid KL sent buses to ferry passengers after LRT service between Pasar Seni and Damai apparently broke down.

1:15 PM : Rapid KL stopped all trains between Kelana Jaya and KLCC, for 30 minutes at 1:10 PM.

1:26 PM : Rapid KL sent buses to ferry passengers from the Pasar Seni, Damai and Ara Damansara stations.

2:12 PM : Rapid KL reported that it fixed problems with the LRT service at 1:40 PM, and the service was being reinstated in stages.

2:20 PM : Rapid KL reported that the Kelana Jaya LRT line was fully operational, with a normal schedule.

3:43 PM : Rapid KL reported technical issues between KLCC and Ampang Park again.

4:38 PM : Rapid KL sent buses to ferry passengers after LRT service at Damai, KLCC and Pasar Seni stations apparently ceased.

4:51 PM : Rapid KL said that the Kelana Jaya LRT trains are being reinstated in stages.

8:48 PM : Rapid KL reported technical issues between KLCC and Kelana Jaya.

8:56 PM : Rapid KL shut down LRT service between KLCC and Kelana Jaya, and asked passengers to look for alternative transportation.

10:12 PM : Rapid KL shut down service between Ampang Park and Kelana Jaya, and asked passengers to look for alternative transportation.

11:04 pM : RapidKL announced that it will shut down service between Gombak and Kelana Jaya at 11:15 PM.

Tuesday, 8 November 2022

6:07 AM : Rapid KL reported that service on the Kelana Jaya LRT line has been fully restored.

12:33 PM : Rapid KL announced that the Kelana Jaya LRT line has been experiencing problems since Saturday, 5 November 2022 due to an unstable Automatic Train Control (ATC) system, forcing the trains to be driven manually. It also announced that their management has decided to change the ATC system completely – a process that will take a few months to complete.

3:32 PM : Rapid KL reported technical issues between KLCC and Kelana Jaya yet again.

3:52 PM : Rapid KL shut down service between KLCC and Kelana Jaya, and asked passengers to look for alternative transportation.

4:49 PM : Rapid KL shut down LRT service between Ampang Park and Kelana Jaya.

9:40 PM : Rapid KL announced that the entire Kelana Jaya LRT line will stop operating at 11 PM.

 

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He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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Rapid KL Survey NOT Required For Taxpayer-Paid Free Rides!

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You are NOT required to fill in their survey for the free rides on Rapid KL trains or buses subsidised by Malaysian taxpayers!

Here is what you need to know!

 

Free Rapid KL Rides For 1 Month : Subsidised By Taxpayers!

On 16 June 2022, the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Ismail Sabri Yaakob officially launched the opening of Phase 1 of the MRT Putrajaya Line.

In conjunction with that launch, he announced that all Rapid KL train and bus rides will be free of charge for a month, from 16 June to 15 July 2022. This free ride program also includes KTM Komuter rides in the Klang Valley.

However, it was not some kind of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) or launch promotion by Rapid KL. These free rides were subsidised by the Malaysian government, to the tune of RM155 million – RM140 million will go to Rapid KL, while KTM will receive RM15 million.

In other words – taxpayers are ultimately footing the bill for these free rides.

Read more : All Rapid KL + KTM Rides Are FREE For 1 Month!

 

Initially : Rapid KL Requires Survey For Gov-Paid Free Rides?!

About a day after the announcement of the free rides, Rapid KL released its Terms and Conditions (PDF download), in which passengers were asked to participate in their survey, in order to enjoy the Rapid KL Free Rides (RKLFR) programme.

Passengers were asked to either install and register an account the MyRapid PULSE app, and fill in the survey there; or fill in a physical form at the stations. They were also asked to “keep a screenshot or the top portion of the completed [survey] form to enjoy the RKLFR“.

Its Terms & Conditions stated, explicitly, that (with my emphasis in bold) :

5. Customers who are using tokens are required to redeem the token at any of Rapid KL Customer Service Offices (LRT/MRT/Monorail/BRT/ Selected Bus Hubs) and fill up the form in MyRapid PULSE or fill up the hardcopy survey form before entering the gates.

6. Customers who are using cashless (My50 pass, Touch ‘N Go card and Concession card) need to fill up the form in MyRapid PULSE or fill up the hardcopy survey form before entering the gates. 

There was an immediate social media backlash to the requirement to participate in the Rapid KL survey, in return for the taxpayer-sponsored free rides.

 

Now : Rapid KL Survey NOT Required For Taxpayer-Paid Free Rides!

Rapid KL quickly responded to the furore by “clarifying” that passengers are not forced to download the PULSE app, or participate in the survey.

When I took the MRT and LRT recently, there was no one enforcing the survey requirement. I just tapped my Touch ‘n Go card through the gantries. No one asked to check for a completed survey.

However, it is unlikely that the RapidKL Terms & Conditions was a misunderstanding. Rapid KL repeated the “requirements” in social media posts, like this example (with my English translation)

Terma Dan Syarat

2. Muat turun aplikasi MyRapid PULSE untuk menebus 30 hari perjalanan percuma.

Terms And Conditions

2. Download the MyRapid PULSE app to redeem 30 days of free travel.

In another Facebook post, Rapid KL specifically asked passengers to complete the survey to obtain the free rides.  Here is my English translation of their requirements :

To redeem free rides:

  1. Users are encouraged to download the MyRapid PULSE app in Google Play or Apple Store, and register for an account and fill in the provided [survey] form. After the form is completed, users need to take a screenshot and show it to the officer at the station, while passing through the gantry, or on entering a bus.
  2. Forms are also provided at all RapidKL passenger service counters, selected bus hubs, in the bus, and downloadable through the Rapid KL website and social media platforms. Passengers must take a picture or the top portion of the complete form to enjoy RKLFR.
  3. For passengers who do not have Touch ‘n Go card or other passes, they can obtain a free token at the customer service counter by filling in their information through the MyRapid PULSE app or the provided form, before entering the station.

It appears that they genuinely wanted people to participate in their survey, and only backtracked on those requirements after the social media uproar.

Based on my ride experience, they did not appear to station officers to check for the completely survey forms.

But it was possible that they asked people to fill in the form to obtain a free token. I can’t confirm that as I used my own Touch ‘n Go card, and didn’t collect a free token.

In any case, there is NO LONGER a need to fill in any survey form, to enjoy the taxpayer-sponsored rides on Rapid KL trains or buses. If anyone insists on seeing a completed survey form, just say NO.

 

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Support my work through a bank transfer /  PayPal / credit card!

Name : Adrian Wong
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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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All Rapid KL + KTM Rides Are FREE For 1 Month!

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All Rapid KL and KTM train and bus rides are now FREE for a whole month! Here is what you need to know!

 

All Rapid KL + KTM Rides Are FREE For 1 Month!

On 16 June 2022, the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Ismail Sabri Yaakob officially launched the opening of Phase 1 of the MRT Putrajaya Line.

In conjunction with that launch, he announced that all Rapid KL train and bus rides will be free of charge for a month, starting today.

KTM Komuter rides in the Klang Valley will also be free for an entire month, starting today.

I hope that Malaysians will take this opportunity to try these public transportation services, parking their vehicles at Park n Ride facilities.

From 16 June to 15 July 2022, you will be able to ride for free at all MRT, LRT, BRT (Bus Rapid Transit), monorail or Rapid KL bus services, as well as KTM Komuter rides in the Klang Valley.

These free rides are subsidised by the Malaysian government, to the tune of RM155 million – RM140 million will go to Rapid KL, while KTM will receive RM15 million.

The MRT Putrajaya Line, which is being developed in two phases, will serve about two million residents in the Klang Valley when it’s fully completed, running from Kwasa Damansara all the way to Putrajaya.

Phase 2 of the MRT Putrajaya line will pass through key areas in the KL city centre, with stations in Titiwangsa, Hospital Kuala Lumpur, Ampang Park and the Tun Razak Exchange (TRX).

There will be 36 stations in total, including nine underground stations. But MRT Corp. plans to add another four stations to improve access to the MRT Putrajaya line.

The new Putrajaya is projected is expected to serve over 104,000 users a day when it’s fully completed. Hopefully, that will greatly alleviate traffic congestion in Kuala Lumpur.

 

Please Support My Work!

Support my work through a bank transfer /  PayPal / credit card!

Name : Adrian Wong
Bank Transfer : CIMB 7064555917 (Swift Code : CIBBMYKL)
Credit Card / Paypal : https://paypal.me/techarp

Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

 

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