Malaysia

KLIA Aerotrain breakdown yesterday second time in less than six years: MAHB

Diagnosing root issue requires dismantling all parts of train, says managing director

Updated 1 year ago · Published on 02 Mar 2023 10:07PM

KLIA Aerotrain breakdown yesterday second time in less than six years: MAHB
Datuk Iskandar Mizal Mahmood has also revealed that several parts of the 24-year-old aerotrain system are no longer available from the original equipment manufacturer. – Bernama pic, March 2, 2023

by Shahrim Tamrin

SEPANG – Yesterday’s breakdown of the KLIA Aerotrain midway between the main terminal and satellite building was the second such incident after the first on September 6, 2017 for the 24-year-old system, Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) said.

Expressing deep regret, MAHB managing director Datuk Iskandar Mizal Mahmood said the breakdown occurred after tripping of an internal circuit breaker.

“These are, however, preliminary findings, as we have to dismantle all parts of the train (including the platforms) to diagnose the real cause of the issue,” he told a press conference at the airport this afternoon.

He also revealed that several parts of the 24-year-old aerotrain system are no longer available from the original equipment manufacturer (OEM).

“Yes, in 2012, we did certain rectifications, upgrades, and some overhauls, but there are some parts that are not even supported or available anymore from the OEM,” he added.

For the record, said Iskandar the trains had clocked 2.8 million km in service and transported 300 million passengers.

Iskandar this afternoon announced the temporary suspension of Aerotrain services until further notice, citing safety reasons while replacement works continue.

Apologising profusely, Iskandar said the affected passengers had been taken care of.

The 3pm incident yesterday, which saw the train halting midway, resulted in 114 air passengers disembarking and walking 400m in the middle of the track to the satellite building.

A second train sent to assist the affected passengers also experienced technical difficulties on the way to the location. 

“We truly apologise for the breakdown and any convenience caused. For the sake of safety, we have decided to suspend the service until further notice,” Iskandar said. 

Datuk Iskandar Mizal Mahmood (centre) adds that the second phase would be the construction of the new Aerotrain slated between second quarter this year and March 2025. – Pic courtesy of MAHB, March 2, 2023
Datuk Iskandar Mizal Mahmood (centre) adds that the second phase would be the construction of the new Aerotrain slated between second quarter this year and March 2025. – Pic courtesy of MAHB, March 2, 2023

The incident caused 10 travellers to miss their flights. The 10 who missed their flights were destined for Padang and Pudong.

Iskandar said MAHB had arranged for new flight tickets, free of charge.

Last September, MAHB had announced that the Aerotrain would undergo replacement, with nine new ones worth some RM700 million in two phases to be completed by March 2025.

“Phase One is already underway involving design works until second quarter of 2023, where multiple stakeholder engagements are conducted to ensure that the new aerotrain system meets both local and international transport and safety standards," Iskandar said.

Iskandar added that the second phase would be the construction of the new Aerotrain slated between second quarter this year and March 2025. 

Asked whether MAHB would retire the existing trains, Iskandar replied: “We have no plans (on doing so) at the moment, as this must go through the board and other processes with the authorities.”

MAHB has also confirmed that the rail investigation team from the Land Public Transport Agency has yet to visit the airport.

As an alternative, the KLIA operator has allocated 18 shuttle buses operating round the clock to assist the passengers to board their flights at the satellite building. – The Vibes, March 2, 2023

Related News

Malaysia / 2mth

Woman successfully gives birth at KLIA waiting area

Malaysia / 4mth

M'sian arrives home after escaping from war-torn Gaza

Malaysia / 4mth

Wee questions MAS over 'one e-boarding pass, one mobile phone' SOP

Malaysia / 6mth

Hot meals return to Malaysia Airlines' flights, in stages

Malaysia / 7mth

Customs seizes cocaine worth RM17.6 mil in mega drug bust at KLIA

Malaysia / 7mth

Tossed cigarette butts spark garbage chute fire at KLIA’s Terminal 1

Spotlight

Events

UK alumni lauded for stellar achievements as British Council observes 75 years in Malaysia

Malaysia

Don’t let politicians, activists stir up hatred against KK Mart, PBK tells cops

By The Vibes Team

Malaysia

7.7 mil people registered in Padu, 2.5 mil cyberattacks, but not one success: Rafizi

By Stephen Then

Malaysia

Farewell Aunty Bersih, you will be missed

By Ian McIntyre

Malaysia

Couple make two trips to workshop to find trapped kitten in car

Malaysia

KK Mart founder, director charged with wounding religious feelings of others over 'Allah' socks

By The Vibes Team

You may be interested

Malaysia

Speed limit at George Town World Heritage Site reduced to 40 km/h

By Shahrim Tamrin

Malaysia

Unfair for government to deny rakyat subsidies based on Padu registration, says SUPP youth

By Stephen Then

Malaysia

Sabah orders immediate water supply to over 50,000 households

By Jason Santos

Malaysia

Petrol bomb incident an irresponsible act of violence, says DAP youth

By The Vibes Team

Malaysia

Anwar receives courtesy call from Indian External Affairs Minister

Malaysia

Nuzul Al-Quran: PM calls on Muslims to analyse, interpret the Quran

Malaysia

Blanket of red as tens of thousands of jellyfish washed ashore at KK beach

By The Vibes Team

Malaysia

Penang’s iconic Komtar set to undergo major make-over

By Ian McIntyre