KUALA LUMPUR: The problems Aerotrains at the KL International Airport (KLIA) are facing have tarnished the nation's image, says Anthony Loke.
"We will try our best to improve the Aerotrain service at KLIA," the Transport Minister said when wrapping-up his ministerial reply on Budget 2023 in the Dewan Rakyat on Wednesday (March 8).
He was responding to Datuk Seri Ikmal Hisham Abdul Aziz (PN-Tanah Merah) who wanted to know when the Aerotrains would be repaired as their frequent breakdowns had negatively impacted tourism.
Loke said that a decision was made to halt the Aerotrain service at KLIA following its latest breakdown.
"Yes, it's true that the aerotrains have been having problems for some time.
"This is because they are at the end of their lifespan as they are 25 years old.
"Of course, it can be repaired as there are the components and spare parts to do so.
"While the Aerotrain service can be rectified, we are taking this approach (to halt it) as it remains unstable," he said.
On Feb 27, an Aerotrain halted mid-way on the tracks from the KLIA Main Terminal Building to the Satellite Building.
A second train was immediately deployed for stranded passengers, but it unfortunately experienced technical difficulties, resulting in passengers having to walk towards the Satellite Building.
On March 1, 114 passengers were stranded by the Aerotrain breakdown, resulting in them having to walk almost half a kilometre to the Satellite Building.
Ten passengers missed their flights because of the incident.
On March 2, Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) announced that all Aerotrain operations at the KLIA Main Terminal were suspended pending further notice.
Meanwhile, Loke said that MAHB would provide shuttle bus service to assist passengers at KLIA.
He said the shuttle bus service would be improved and would be used pending repairs of the aerotrains.
On a separate issue, Loke said the public could now apply for individual taxi and car rental permits through the Land Public Transport Agency (Apad).
He said this would resolve the previous issue of tax and car rental permits which were leased to companies.
He also said that the ministry intended to reopen applications by companies for new taxi and car rental permits under the new model.
At present, Loke said there were 37,000 registered taxis and rental cars and 110,000 e-hailing drivers registered with 28 e-hailing operators in the country.
