KUALA LUMPUR: There have been visible operational improvements at Malaysian airports following the privatisation of Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB), says Public Accounts Committee (PAC) chairman Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin.
PAC, however, is still awaiting further progress and outcomes in line with MAHB’s planned development roadmap, she said.
"We conducted a surprise visit to Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 1 recently and observed some physical improvements on the ground.
"The committee has yet to receive a detailed report. This is part of our early-stage oversight following the privatisation exercise," she told a press conference at the Parliament media centre on Wednesday (July 1).
Mas Ermieyati said PAC had conducted 19 proceedings from Feb 17 to Aug 20 last year involving witnesses from the Finance Ministry, Transport Ministry, Khazanah Nasional Bhd, the Employees Provident Fund (EPF), MAHB, airlines, PNB, Retirement Fund Inc (KWAP), the Securities Commission and Bursa Malaysia, among others.
She said the proceedings found that some public airport assets and infrastructure were in poor condition and needed urgent upgrades involving high costs.
"However, as a listed company, MAHB faces a conflict between safeguarding shareholder interests and funding growth," she said.
She added that repeated failures in airport infrastructure and operational systems reflected long-standing weaknesses in maintenance, refurbishment and capital investment.
On the KLIA aerotrain, she said periodic service disruptions have occurred even after the project completion and resumption of operations in July last year.
"MAHB is taking steps to ensure high-priority capital projects are implemented promptly and efficiently," she added.
PAC also recommended stronger coordination between MAHB and key federal agencies to improve aviation connectivity and airport-linked economic development.
She said the Transport Ministry and Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) should ensure early engagement with airlines in long-term infrastructure planning to better meet operational needs.
"Airport development must not be unilateral or reactive," she said, adding that MAHB should set up a regular consultation platform with core airlines.
Mas Ermieyati also said any changes to MAHB’s ownership structure or disposal of strategic assets must obtain Cabinet approval.
She added that even as a delisted private entity, MAHB should be required to publish periodic operational performance and KPI reports to maintain public accountability.
"The Finance and Transport ministries should also ensure MAHB submits regular progress and financial reports for major projects such as the aerotrain, baggage handling system and airport expansion works," she said.
