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[UPDATED] Loke calls out MAHB for aerotrain setback

PUTRAJAYA: Transport Minister Anthony Loke has voiced dissatisfaction with Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) over several decisions, particularly concerning the Aerotrain Replacement Project at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), which will miss its Jan 31 commencement deadline.

"I am not happy with many matters involving MAHB. There were many last-minute decisions, and the aerotrain is one of them.

"I must answer to the public, but this decision wasn't made by me or the Transport Ministry; it was entirely handled by MAHB's board and management," he said at a press conference on Malaysia's 2024 passenger and cargo traffic performance today.

He expressed frustration at being held accountable for the delay despite not being directly involved in the decision-making process.

"Everyone questions the transport minister, yet MAHB's role is overlooked. They made the decisions, and they must also take responsibility," he added.

Loke said that the aerotrain was undergoing dynamic testing, with additional phases of full system testing and system integration required before handover to the relevant authorities for final approval.

"The contractor is still conducting tests and has not provided a firm timeline. Initially, they suggested the process might be completed by Jan 31, but there is no confirmed date yet," he said.

He urged airport operators to invest in capacity building and not rely solely on government policies for growth.

"The government has introduced numerous policies to ensure healthy growth in the aviation sector. However, airport operators must keep pace in terms of capacity building and capital expenditure. This is a key reason for MAHB's privatisation exercise, which the transport ministry fully supports to accelerate progress," he added.

In March 2022, MAHB awarded the KLIA Aerotrain Replacement Project with a three-year timeline for completion.

Delays prompted the award of a new contract in January 2023 to a consortium comprising Alstom, original equipment manufacturer Aerotrain, and JMC-Pestech JV to bring the project back on schedule.

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