MAHB Calls In Independent Assessor After Latest KLIA Aerotrain Glitch

Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) will bring in an independent assessor to review the power supply design and installation quality of the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) aerotrain system, following yet another service disruption on Wednesday night.

The airport operator described the latest incident as disappointing, especially since the aerotrain had already gone through extensive testing, commissioning, and certification before returning to service in July.

The breakdown, which happened around 8.30PM, temporarily halted both trains due to a power trip. By 9.27PM, one train was safely restored, and both resumed normal operations after several rounds of safety and operational tests.

"The incident occurred within the aerotrain’s defect liability period, meaning the contractors remain responsible for rectifying any issues", it said in a statement.

 The company has since held an urgent meeting with project partners French train manufacturer Alstom and the IJM-Pestech Joint Venture (IPJV), which designed and installed the system’s power distribution network.

“The root cause of the disruption is still under investigation. The contractor will be issuing a separate statement to provide a detailed technical explanation,” MAHB stated.

As a precaution, the firm has deployed thermographic scanning and other diagnostic checks to ensure the system’s safety while rectification work continues.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook said the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) will take enforcement action against MAHB over the repeated disruptions since the aerotrain’s relaunch. 

“As a licensed operator, MAHB could face fines if it fails to maintain satisfactory service standards,” he told Parliament.

The aerotrain, which connects KLIA’s main terminal and satellite building, had been suspended for over two years before resuming operations in July. Since then, it has logged 20 incidents, involving both technical and human-related factors.