KUANTAN: The issue of malfunctioning escalators, damaged and detached floor tiles, as well as incomplete toilet facilities, at Terminal Sentral Kuantan (TSK) needs to be resolved immediately.
State consumer affairs and human resources committee chairman Sim Chon Siang said cleanliness in the terminal also needs improvement, including the glass walls at the bus boarding platforms and ticket counters.
“I received 10 complaints regarding escalator malfunctions in 2023, while inspections in the restrooms revealed that many toilet bowls lacked covers, missing shower heads, while the areas under the sinks were dirty.
“The management should take responsibility because they have secured the contract to manage this terminal and impose a facility fee of 70sen per passenger, with an additional 50sen for toilet usage,” he told reporters yesterday after inspecting the poor conditions at TSK which went viral on social media.
He said the management of TSK also needs to be more proactive because the terminal is a gateway for tourists.
Asked whether the state government is willing to assist if the issues were caused by financial problems, Sim said the management should discuss with the relevant parties to find appropriate solutions.
“We are aware that this terminal is 10 years old and was hit by floods before. If there are major problems that cannot be solved, do not stay silent until complaints keep piling up,” he said, Bernama reported.
Meanwhile, terminal manager Khairul Amilin Abdul Halil said repair works are underway.
He said the escalators had to be turned off because of damage to the rubber handrails.
According to him, Energetic Point Sdn Bhd took over the management of TSK in August 2020, and there was no record of the rubber handrail replacement.
The contract to manage the terminal is for 10 years.
“We have ordered spare parts for the escalators. The floor tile repairs are expected to finish by the end of January.
“Regarding cleaning duties, there are two shifts involving six staff members each. We try our best to rotate our staff but TSK is a large area,” he said.
About 1,000 people visit TSK daily, and the number can reach 2,000 during peak periods such as school holidays and festive seasons.
