KUALA LUMPUR: Action can be taken against Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) and contractors for disruptions affecting the KL International Airport (KLIA) aerotrain system at Terminal 1, says Anthony Loke (pic).
The punitive measures will be based on contractual terms between MAHB and contractors responsible for the aerotrain’s operations, as well as MAHB’s failure to provide an acceptable level of services.
“MAHB can fine the contractors as it is within the two-year defective liability period for the disruptions and their inability to deliver an acceptable level of service,” said the Transport Minister when replying to a question by Shaharizukirnain Abd Kadir (PN-Setui) in Dewan Rakyat yesterday.
On action against MAHB, Loke said that they are still subject to internal action as providers of public transportation despite operating as a government-linked company.
“I will bring this up for discussions with the ministry because although MAHB is GLC, they are still subject to our licences.
“We can fine them through the Land Public Transport Agency (Apad) for not providing an acceptable level of service,” he added.
On Monday, Loke’s deputy Hasbi Habibollah said in Parliament that the aerotrain’s contractors may face fines of up to RM190,000 a month if it fails to meet performance standards.
A total of 19 service disruptions were reported between July and September, since the resumption of service on July 1 after the line was closed for asset renewal work that took three years.
On Wednesday, both trains experienced a power trip at around 8.30pm, resulting in passengers of one train having to disembark and walk at least 200m in an upward direction with their luggage on the narrow guideway towards the main terminal building, with the trek taking an estimated five minutes.
Full service from both trains only resumed at nearly 3pm yesterday.
Loke said the aerotrain’s system is new and not an upgrade of the asset, adding: “It is also inaccurate to say the government or ministry provided the allocation for the system. The system was paid for entirely by MAHB, and we did not pay even one sen.”
Despite the disruptions, Loke said five million passengers were ferried by the aerotrains (or a 99.92% capacity factor) since July.
In a statement, MAHB said it has convened a meeting with the senior management from the project contractors, including Alstom (train supplier and signalling contractor) and the IJM-Pestech Joint Venture (IPJV), who are responsible for the power distribution system’s design and installation.
“The root cause of the disruption is still under investigation, and the contractor will be issuing a separate statement to provide a detailed technical explanation.
“This latest incident is particularly disappointing given that the aerotrain system had undergone a stringent testing, commissioning, and certification process prior to its launch.
“This process involved independent consultants, safety professionals, and regulatory authorities to ensure compliance.
“In view of this development, we will be taking an additional step to appoint an independent assessor to conduct a comprehensive review of the power supply design and the quality of installation works,” it said.
