A recent breakdown of the Aerotrain at KL International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1 has left passengers stranded and the Transport Minister fuming over yet another service failure.
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On Tuesday morning (Oct 28), KLIA passengers were seen dragging their luggage along the rail track after the aerotrain broke down while still in service.
This marked the 21st disruption since the system began running in July.
Read our previous coverage:
Transport Minister expresses shame and anger
Transport Minister Anthony Loke addressed Parliament on Wednesday (Oct 29), calling the incident both “embarrassing” and “shameful.”
I was ashamed to see passengers walking along the tracks. I share the deep disappointment felt by many in this House.” he said.
Loke confirmed in his speech that the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) has been ordered to investigate the breakdown.
He added that legal action can be taken under the Land Public Transport Act 2010, where operators may be fined up to RM250,000 per offence.
However, he noted that all due processes must be followed before any penalty is enforced.
Loke also said Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) must ensure the contractors involved are held accountable for not meeting service standards.
He stressed that government-linked companies (GLCs) also have a duty to serve the public properly.
No plans to halt the aerotrain service
Despite frequent issues, Loke said he does not plan to suspend the aerotrain operations.
Instead, MAHB has been instructed to get performance guarantees from the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) to ensure safety.
Loke claimed the aerotrain had shown a 99% reliability rate over the past three months, despite the ongoing disruptions.