The recent disruption of the Aerotrain service at KLIA Terminal 1 was not a breakdown, but a minor technical glitch, said Transport Minister Anthony Loke.
“It was just a software issue. These kinds of bugs can happen in any system. It wasn’t a major fault or mechanical failure,” he said, clarifying that the problem was fixed within 15 minutes.
Loke acknowledged the string of service hiccups since the Aerotrain resumed operations on July 1, but assured that the system remains heavily used, transporting around 1.5 million passengers each month.
The minister also urged Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) to take closer oversight of the contractors and vendors involved in maintaining the service. Calls have emerged for the Transport Ministry to form a special committee to investigate the disruptions, which reportedly occurred at least five times since early July.
On a separate note, Loke addressed claims about delays in the third-generation Electric Train Service (ETS3) to Johor Bahru, calling them inaccurate.
“There is no delay. The project is proceeding in stages, as planned,” he said.
The first phase to Segamat is already in service, with the second phase to Kluang set to launch before August 31, and the final stretch to Johor Bahru Sentral expected by year-end.
An official launch date for the second phase will be announced soon, Loke added. Looking ahead, the minister said Malaysia is eager to strengthen regional rail links with China, especially for cross-border freight. But this, he stressed, requires strong collaboration with neighbouring ASEAN countries, particularly Thailand and Laos.
“We can’t do it alone. Closer cooperation across ASEAN is essential to build better rail connectivity with China,” Loke was quoted as saying.
