KUALA LUMPUR: The problems plaguing the Aerotrains at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) have tarnished the nation and the airport's image, admitted Anthony Loke.
The transport minister said the authorities were working to improve the quality of service of the streamlined train set, but added that the aerotrains were already at the end of their lifespan.
"The aerotrains have been facing problems for quite some time as they have reached the end of their lifespan of 25 years.
"We are rectifying the problems now, but even if they are repaired, the aerotrain services are still unstable.
"So while we wait for a new system, we are offering shuttle bus services," he said in Dewan Rakyat when winding up the Supply Bill 2023 today.
Loke was responding to a question by Datuk Seri Ikmal Hisham Abdul Aziz (Perikatan Nasional-Tanah Merah) who said the aerotrains' breakdowns affected the tourism industry in the country.
Last week, Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) had to suspend its aerotrain services at KLIA after a breakdown that involved 114 passengers, forcing passengers to walk 400m on the train tracks.
MAHB is expected to obtain new trains by 2025 under the RM700 million aerotrain replacement programme.
A total of 18 shuttle buses, each accommodating 40 passengers, are being made available 24 hours a day.