KLIA Aerotrain Delayed, MAHB Project Management & Efficiency Questioned

The Automated People Mover System (Aerotrain) at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) faces further delays, with no clear completion date in sight.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook revealed recently that while the project was initially expected to be completed by Jan 31, 2025, the timeline remains uncertain as key testing stages are still ongoing.

Currently, the system is undergoing dynamic testing, with full system testing and integration yet to follow. Only after these stages are completed can the system be handed over to the authorities for final approval.

Loke further expressed his dissatisfaction and frustration over Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd’s (MAHB) role in overseeing the airport. He also criticized MAHB for its slow progress, suggesting that more could have been done to expedite the project.

He went on to acknowledge the public's frustration, stating that he is left to address the matter despite the project beginning long before his return to the Transport Ministry.

He also noted that in Sept 2023, assurances were given by MAHB that the aerotrain would be operational by the end of Jan 2024, especially since two train sets had already arrived.

The KLIA Aerotrain Replacement Project was first awarded in Mar 2022 with a three-year timeline for completion. However, significant delays ensued.

A new consortium comprising Alstom, Aerotrain’s original equipment manufacturer and JMC-Pestech was appointed in Jan 2024 to rescue the stalled project.

While the Aerotrain is a vital infrastructure upgrade for KLIA, the repeated setbacks raise questions with regards to project management, accountability and the efficiency of MAHB’s in handling critical national infrastructure. 

Source: MalayMail