Waterfall In Klia Mahb Cites Contractor Error During Roofing Works

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Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) has confirmed that a water leakage incident at KLIA Terminal 1 yesterday was caused by an error by a roofing contractor working on active restoration works.
In a statement, MAHB said the incident occurred during scheduled sealing works on drainage points of the main terminal roof, part of an ongoing waterproofing project to address ageing infrastructure.
The contractor’s team had been carrying out the works when lightning activity intensified across the airport, prompting an immediate suspension in line with safety protocols.
However, in their rush to evacuate the rooftop, the contractor failed to remove plywood boards used to temporarily cover drainage points - a mistake MAHB described as a direct and unacceptable breach of basic work procedures.
“The contractor’s failure to remove the plywood covering as a required process is the direct cause of the severe leakage. This is an unacceptable lapse in basic work procedures that falls below the standards expected of contractors working on critical airport infrastructure,” MAHB said.
When heavy rainfall followed, the obstructed drainage caused water to pool on the roof, eventually leaking through the ceiling into the departure hall.
Yesterday, a 26-second video clip showing water pouring down from the ceiling in the departure hall went viral, with some on social media comparing the situation to a "waterfall" inside the airport, similar to Singapore's Changi Airport.
According to MAHB, response teams secured and cleared the affected area within 1.5 hours, with all systems returning to normal operations soon after.
The airport operator said it will take “decisive action” against the contractor and has directed immediate improvements in work procedures, including mandatory checks of meteorological forecasts before rooftop activities and strengthened contingency steps during severe weather.
The roofing works form part of a year-long restoration and waterproofing project that began in April 2025 under MAHB’s infrastructure renewal programme. - Mkini

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