KLIA Aerotrain Delay Resulted From Leadership, Govt Changes - MAHB Chairman

The delay in the KLIA aerotrain project is due to several leadership and governmental transitions over the years, according to MAHB chairman Dr. Nungsari Ahmad Radhi. He dismissed rumors that the delay was caused by the recent privatisation of the company.

“In my view, any professional would know how to deal with obsolescence and replacement, and would make sure of its timely execution.

“No, it has nothing to do with privatisation. The time taken was due to too many changes in government in recent years, which impacted the decision-making process,” he says in an exclusive interview with Bernama.

The decision to replace the aerotrain was made in 2016. However, political upheavals between 2018 and 2022 delayed implementation, as Nungsari explained that every change impacts the decision-making process.

“Over the past six years, we have had five prime ministers, five chairmen, and five chief executive officers

“While the management was aware of the need to replace the train and recommended it, circumstances beyond our control slowed the process,” he explained.

Despite the setback, the chairman confirmed that the aerotrain project is progressing as planned.


“Everything is in place. The train is on the track, the power supply is ready, and testing is ongoing. Since it’s a public transport system, we must obtain approval from the Land Public Transport Agency, and the service is expected to be operational by the second quarter of this year,” he added.