After repeated breakdowns of the Kuala Lumpur International Airport aerotrain system, the Ministry of Transport has announced plans to take regulatory action against Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd, saying that accountability and reliability must be restored.

The Ministry of Transport (MOT) has said it will move to take enforcement action through the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) against Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) following a string of technical failures involving the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) aerotrain system.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook told Parliament on Thursday that APAD, as the regulatory body overseeing all rail-based systems in Malaysia, has the legal authority to act against MAHB despite its position as a government-linked company.

“Even though MAHB is a government-linked company, it is still subject to our licensing regulations,” Loke said. “Through APAD, we can take action, including imposing fines, if MAHB fails to provide satisfactory service to passengers.” He added that discussions at the ministry level will determine suitable regulatory measures moving forward.

The minister was responding to Setiu MP Shaharizukirnain Abd Kadir, who questioned what accountability measures were being taken against airport management and contractors, and whether a forensic audit had been launched to identify the causes of recurring system failures, which have been a source of not only disruption and inconvenience to passengers at KLIA, but considerable embarrassment to Malaysia, as well.

REPEATED BREAKDOWNS PROMPT REGULATORY RESPONSE

Since its reintroduction in July this year, the aerotrain has suffered at least 20 technical incidents, including another breakdown late Wednesday evening. The problems, according to Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Hasbi Habibollah, have stemmed from a mix of mechanical and human errors. Some disruptions involved signalling faults, while others were caused by passengers attempting to open train doors manually during delays.

The KLIA aerotrain, which shuttles passengers between the main terminal and satellite building, has long faced reliability challenges. Its most recent suspension in March 2023 led to widespread passenger frustration and prompted a temporary bus service while repairs were carried out.

“The aerotrain is a vital service link for millions of passengers each year,” Loke said. “Even if 99% of journeys are smooth, that 1% of disruptions is still unacceptable. MAHB and its contractors must work toward zero breakdowns.”

Since service resumed three months ago, the aerotrain has carried about five million passengers, according to ministry data. Loke said the government expects MAHB to impose strict performance penalties on its contractors if technical standards are not upheld.

PROJECT COSTS AND CONTRACTOR RESPONSIBILITY

Addressing concerns over funding, Loke clarified that the aerotrain replacement project is fully financed by MAHB under its airport concession and does not use any government allocation. “There has been some misunderstanding — not a single sen comes from the Transport Ministry’s budget,” he said.

MAHB’s aerotrain system, first introduced in 1998 when KLIA opened, underwent significant wear and tear over its 25 years of service. After the 2023 suspension, MAHB terminated the services of its then-contractor, Pestec International Bhd, citing poor performance. However, Pestec was later reappointed in January 2024 as part of a joint venture with IJM Corp Bhd and French rail systems company Alstom SA to handle the aerotrain replacement project.

The system remains under a two-year defects liability period, during which Alstom is responsible for addressing any technical faults or system failures. If ongoing issues persist, MAHB is required to enforce contractual penalties to ensure compliance with safety and service benchmarks.

The project, which involves replacing outdated components and upgrading the track and signalling systems, is part of MAHB’s broader initiative to modernise KLIA and improve passenger experience. The new trains were designed to offer higher reliability, reduced maintenance downtime, and improved accessibility for passengers with mobility challenges.

Still, the repeated disruptions have led to mounting public frustration and renewed calls for greater transparency in how the project is managed. Loke’s statement marks the first time the government has signalled a willingness to pursue enforcement against MAHB, underscoring the seriousness with which the ministry views the repeated failures.

Industry observers note that the aerotrain’s operational reliability is crucial to KLIA’s reputation as a major regional hub, particularly as Malaysia seeks to strengthen its aviation competitiveness against Singapore and Bangkok.

Loke said the ministry remains committed to ensuring that passengers can depend on KLIA’s core infrastructure. “It is not just about convenience,” he said. “It is about maintaining confidence in our country’s main international gateway. Every delay or breakdown impacts how Malaysia is perceived by visitors.”

APAD’s next steps could include formal investigations, fines, or other regulatory measures to compel compliance with safety and service standards. The agency also has the authority to review MAHB’s operating procedures and require corrective action plans to prevent future disruptions.

For now, MAHB has pledged to work closely with Alstom and its partners to stabilise operations and improve performance consistency. The company said it remains committed to ensuring the aerotrain meets international reliability standards before the full replacement project is completed in 2026.

Sources: The Star, The Edge Malaysia, Bernama, MalaysiaKini