After RM1.8m suit, Prasarana assures injured LRT passenger all med bills covered

 

Faced with a RM1.8 million lawsuit, Prasarana Malaysia Berhad has reiterated that it will bear all medical costs of passengers injured in the May 24 Light Rail Transit (LRT) crash.

Yesterday, the family of victim Wee Chee Foong announced that they were suing the government-linked company (GLC) for damages over negligence.

One of the 213 passengers on the train involved in the mishap, the 52-year-old sustained serious head and spine injuries during the incident.

After eight days in the hospital, he has yet to regain consciousness and remains in the intensive care unit (ICU).

In a statement today, Prasarana acting president and group chief executive officer Norlia Noah confirmed that it has received Wong’s letter of demand.

“The legal notice has been handed to Prasarana’s appointed legal advisor for due consideration and immediate action,” she said.

Norlia assured that Prasarana will be covering his medical expenses.

“We understand that Wong is still undergoing treatment in the ICU of Kuala Lumpur Hospital. 

“The (RM1,000) goodwill payment due to him will be extended as soon as it is practicable to do so.

“We give our assurance that medical expenses for his surgery and other treatment at the Kuala Lumpur Hospital will be fully borne by Prasarana and we pray for Wong’s speedy recovery,” she said.

Norlia added that Prasarana managed to identify 136 of the 213 passengers involved in the crash. Three, including Wong, are still receiving treatment at Kuala Lumpur Hospital.

This means 77 passengers remain unidentified.

LRT victim's wife Joyce Wong

In a press conference yesterday, Wong’s wife Joyce Wong said she was disappointed at Prasarana for not apologising, sending them a letter or offering moral support.

She added that the RM1,000 goodwill payment was inadequate as her husband may require treatment after he is discharged.

Norlia said today that Prasarana will provide financial assistance to cover “medical expenses” and “follow-up treatment” of passengers involved in the crash.

However, she did not stipulate the amount of financial assistance.

Passengers, their families and loved ones also have access to counselling services from the Federal Territories Social Welfare Department “for as long as needed”, she added.  - Mkini