PUTRAJAYA: There is no firm completion date for the delayed replacement of the automated people mover system (aerotrain) at the KL International Airport (KLIA), while inspections show that it is impossible for it to be operational by Jan 31.
In a press conference at the Transport Ministry here yesterday, Transport Minister Anthony Loke said no definite operational resumption date has been given by the contractor, which is apparently subjecting the system to the “testing phase”.
“They (contractors) have yet to give a firm date, despite giving the impression previously that it could be done by Jan 31,” said Loke.
Later on, Loke said while the Transport Ministry supports the privatisation of Malaysia Airport Holdings Bhd (MAHB), more can be done to improve airports in the country.
“On record, we were not happy with MAHB previously, a lot of decisions were delayed, and the aerotrain is a good example.
“I have to answer to the public. But, the decision on the aerotrain was not by me or the Transport Ministry,” he said, adding that the contract for the replacement of the aerotrain was handled by the MAHB board and management.
“The decision is made by MAHB and they should be accountable as well. That is why, this privatisation exercise is something we support,” said Loke.
In September last year, Loke had said the aerotrain will resume operations by Jan 31 this year.
On June 18 last year, MAHB also said the Aerotrain Replacement Project is slated to be completed by Jan 31, three months ahead of the project’s original planned completion date.
The airport operator said this expedited timeline was finalised through a contract signed on June 14 between Malaysia Airports (Sepang) Sdn Bhd (MA Sepang), Alstom Transport Systems (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, and IJMC-Pestech JV, a joint venture between IJM Construction Sdn Bhd and Pestech Technology Sdn Bhd.
MA Sepang is a wholly-owned subsidiary of MAHB.
Responding to the latest development, Malaysian Tourism Federation (MTF) president Datuk Tan Kok Liang said the aerotrain should be completed as soon as possible, even if the facility itself does not affect Malaysia’s value as a tourist destination.
“It enhances the experience, with the aerotrain providing a better and more comfortable travel experience, even though it is not a key factor that will affect arrivals to Malaysia.
“There are a few major airports where buses are also provided for travellers to transit,” he said, adding that KLIA must do its utmost to provide seamless accessibility for those who are elderly and those with impaired mobility, even as it commits to finish the project without further delay.
Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) president Nigel Wong said while the delay of the aerotrain will not have a significant effect on tourism, it definitely creates a less than favourable impression of KLIA and potentially impact the airport’s global rankings.
“The aerotrain is the fastest way to travel between the main terminal building and the satellite building,” he said, noting that bridging the same using buses takes more time, other than being less comfortable.
He also said that the aerotrain project must be completed as soon as possible, especially with the country gearing up for Visit Malaysia 2026.
In tandem with this, he added that other airport services that can be enhanced include quicker baggage handling and Customs clearance.
Malaysian Inbound Tourism Association (MITA) president Mint Leong said that providing visitors with a great experience the moment they set foot at KLIA is very important.
“Without the aerotrain, passenger traffic for arrivals and departures has to be properly managed so that it is smooth during busy hours,” she said, adding that it is imperative for all stakeholders to deliver their promise of completing the project on time.
