KUALA LUMPUR: Action can be taken against Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) and its contractors over disruptions affecting the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Aerotrain system, says Transport Minister Anthony Loke.
He said any action would be based on the contractual terms between MAHB and the contractors responsible for the Aerotrain’s operations, as well as MAHB’s failure to maintain an acceptable level of service.
“MAHB can fine the contractors as the issue falls within the two-year defect liability period due to the disruptions and their inability to deliver an acceptable level of service,” he said when replying to a question by Shaharizukirnain Abd Kadir (PN–Setiu) in the Dewan Rakyat on Thursday (Oct 16).
On possible action against MAHB, Loke said the airport operator remains subject to internal and regulatory action as a public transport service provider, despite being a government-linked company (GLC).
“I will bring this up for discussion with the ministry because although MAHB is a GLC, it is still subject to our licensing.
“We can fine them through the Land Public Transport Agency (Apad) for not providing an acceptable level of service to passengers,” he added.
It was reported on Monday that the Aerotrain contractors could face fines of up to RM190,000 per month if they fail to meet performance standards.
A total of 19 service disruptions were recorded between July and September, shortly after the rail service resumed operations following several years of suspension.
Among the causes cited were technical glitches and incidents involving passengers attempting to force open the train doors.
On Wednesday, both Aerotrains at KLIA Terminal 1 experienced a temporary power trip, resulting in a service disruption at 8.30pm.
Meanwhile, Loke said the Aerotrain system is entirely new and not merely an upgrade of the previous one.
“It is also inaccurate to say that the government or the ministry provided funding for the system.
“The entire project was financed by MAHB, and we did not contribute even one sen,” he said.
Despite the disruptions, Loke said the Aerotrain has transported about five million passengers since July, achieving an operational rate of 99.92%.
