The Transport Ministry has confirmed that the MACC is free to probe the RM456 million Aerotrain project at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), following concerns about recurring reliability issues.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke said that as an independent body, the anti-graft agency can investigate any company based on available evidence and existing legal provisions.
Noting that the Aerotrain project is currently within a two-year “defects liability period”, Loke reiterated that Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) is implementing an action plan to improve the system’s stability.
“The Aerotrain project… is fully funded by MAHB and does not involve government funds,” Loke said in a parliamentary written reply yesterday.
“The Transport Ministry, through the Land Public Transport Agency (Apad), acts as the regulator.
“In this regard, Apad has opened an investigation paper on MAHB in connection with the service disruptions that have occurred,” he added.
The minister said this in response to a question from Arau MP Shahidan Kassim, who requested the government to provide a timeframe for the Aerotrain’s full restoration, asserting that its breakdowns have affected KLIA’s image as a world-class international airport.
The opposition lawmaker also queried whether the MACC will step in to probe the matter.
Punitive action
In his reply, Loke noted that the operator’s licence issued to MAHB stipulates that the company must ensure a satisfactory level of Aerotrain service.
“Under the Land Public Transport Act 2010, for each breach of licence conditions, the operator may be fined up to RM250,000 per offence,” Loke stated.
He added that as of Sept 21, a total of 4.5 million passengers have used the Aerotrain service at KLIA, with the trains having travelled about 34,000km.
On Oct 29, Loke pledged “punitive action” to ensure accountability from MAHB over KLIA Aerotrain service disruptions, urging MAHB to demand clarifications from the train service’s contractors.
He also expressed anger and disappointment over an incident where passengers were made to walk along the train tracks after a service disruption.
The Aerotrain, which connects the main terminal and the satellite building at KLIA Terminal 1, has faced multiple interruptions since resuming operations in July after its upgrades were completed on June 30. - Mkini
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