Klia Aerotrain Breakdown A National Embarrassment On The Global Stage Says Mca

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AN MCA leader has criticsed the recurring breakdowns of the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Aerotrain which had occurred yesterday (Oct 28) morning which had forced stranded passengers to walk along the tracks in the dark while carrying their luggage.
The party’s youth wing secretary-general Saw Yee Fung said such incidents severely damage the nation’s international image in the eyes of foreign leaders and reflect an embarrassment that could have been prevented.
“KLIA serves as the front door of our nation, representing Malaysia’s level of modernity and service quality. Yet it continues to become an international laughing stock due to frequent equipment breakdowns, weak management, and slow responses,” she stated.
“Leaders from around the world have just arrived in Malaysia, only to witness travellers forced to walk long distances while dragging their heavy luggage. Malaysia strives to be a developed and competitive country. And, we have spent millions of Ringgit to upgrade the Aerotrain only to face repeated breakdowns.”
According to the data disclosed in the Dewan Rakyat by the Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Haji Hasbi Habibollah, the KLIA Aerotrain had recorded 19 breakdown incidents between July 2 and Sept 30.
The Aerotrain service had resumed operations on July 1 following more than two years of upgrading works valued at RM456 mil, serving as a vital link between KLIA’s main terminal and the satellite terminal.
It has come under increasing scrutiny in recent years due to its frequent technical failures and service disruptions.
One of the most notable breakdowns occurred on February 27, 2023, when an Aerotrain stalled midway on the track which led to a second train being dispatched to assist but also experienced technical difficulties, leaving passengers no choice but to walk to the satellite terminal.
Just days later, on March 1, 2023, another serious malfunction left 114 passengers stranded and they were forced to walk approximately 500 metres to the satellite building, and ten passengers reportedly missed their flights due to the delay.
Sign of management failure
Saw said together with incidents between July 2 and Sept 30, the total number of failures has already exceeded 20 since its reopening.
“This level of malfunction is completely unreasonable and clearly indicates serious issues in engineering quality, contracting and supervision,” she said, adding that this is no longer just a technical issue but a sign of management failure.
“Each time a breakdown occurs, the public is given platitudes in the form of empty promises and empty apologies. Malaysians do not need more apologies. Rather, accountability from the government is apt.
“Transport Minister Anthony Loke previously stated that Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) and the contractor are bound by a two-year contract. If so, has the government enforced it? Has the contractor been penalised? Has MAHB been held responsible or is responsibility merely being shifted around?”
Saw said Loke cannot rely only on statements and press conferences and must take concrete action, instruct MAHB to review the contractor’s performance thoroughly, fully disclose all maintenance and repair records, and report these findings to both Parliament and the public.
“KLIA is the mirror of our country. If even a basic airport transport system cannot operate reliably, how can we speak about attracting foreign investments or promoting tourism?” she asked.
“The KLIA Aerotrain issue is a test of this administration’s delivery and credibility. It must be addressed seriously and urgently, before Malaysia continues to repeat the same mistakes at the expense of our global reputation.” ‒  Focus Malaysia

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