German graffiti artist nabbed during attempted break-in at LRT depot

KUALA LUMPUR, March 15 — A German graffiti artist was caught while trying to break into the Ampang LRT depot and is expected to be charged today, rail operator Prasarana Malaysia Berhad said.

Prasarana said its auxiliary police unit dubbed the “Ronda & Tangkap” team nabbed the vandalism suspect before handing him over to the police.

Prasarana subsidiary Rapid Rail Sdn Bhd’s chief executive officer Ahmad Nizam Mohamed Amin said the long-standing vandalism problem has existed since the beginning of the light rail transit (LRT) operations, but noted the high maintenance cost resulting from the actions of vandals.

“Their main targets are both depots of the Ampang Line in Ampang and the Kelana Jaya Line in Subang.

“They may not realise it, but the negative impact of their irresponsible actions are substantial,” he was quoted as saying in a statement by Prasarana.

Explaining this, Ahmad Nizam said vandalised trains are typically forced to cease operations to facilitate maintenance works.

This, in turn, affects service as commuters would have to wait longer for their rides.

“This does not include the expenses to clean and repaint the vandalized trains. It is a big sum, which it can actually be used to improve other areas in order to increase commuters’ comfort,” added Ahmad Nizam, who has over 20 years of experience in the LRT service.

Ahmad Nizam said the majority of suspected vandals are foreigners, particularly from Europe, adding that it is apparent that they are bringing in their culture to Malaysia.

Malaysia’s graffiti artists are however more responsible and channel their talents to the right platform, he said, also noting how several spots have been identified specifically for these artists to carry out their activities.

“In fact, Rapid Rail and Prasarana have a good relationship with these (artists) where they have carried out graffiti projects at identified locations around station area.

“There are proper ways to channel these talents and we constantly support these programmes that was well carried out,” he added.

According to Prasarana, its Ronda & Tangkap team was set up to fight graffiti artists’ illegal vandalism of trains, train stations and depots under Rapid Rail Sdn Bhd’s management.