MAHB ACCOUNTABLE FOR AEROTRAIN DISRUPTIONS DUE TO TECHNICAL ISSUES, SAYS LOKE

PUTRAJAYA, Oct 30 (Bernama) -- The frequency of the Aerotrain service disruptions at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) is unacceptable, and Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) will be held accountable for any disruptions found to be caused by technical issues, said Transport Minister Anthony Loke.

He said MAHB, as the concession holder, is responsible for the projects carried out by the contractors it appointed, namely Alstom and IJM-PESTEC Joint Venture (IPJM).

“We need to ensure that this service is more reliable... we are still not satisfied that there have been so many disruptions in four months for a new system.

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“Some disruptions are caused by technical errors that shouldn't have happened. That's what we need to take action on," he said at a press conference after chairing the National Logistics Task Force meeting here today.

Loke said any punitive action will only be taken after investigations into each Aerotrain service disruption incident are completed.

On Tuesday, Loke instructed the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) to open an investigation into MAHB following the latest disruption to the Aerotrain service earlier that morning.

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He said the operator's licence issued to MAHB stipulates that the company is obliged to ensure a satisfactory level of Aerotrain service for users.

According to the Land Public Transport Act 2010, violating the terms of an operator's licence can result in a fine of up to RM250,000 for each offence.

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission is also conducting an investigation into the possibility of corruption or misappropriation in the implementation of the Aerotrain project.

-- BERNAMA