MAHB chairman: Political shifts, not privatisation, delayed KLIA Aerotrain project
Dismissing speculation that a delay was linked to the company's privatisation, the chairman attributed it to multiple changes in government and leadership over the years.
'In my view, any professional would know how to deal with obsolescence and replacement, and would make sure of its timely execution.
'No, it has nothing to do with privatisation. The time taken was due to too many changes in government since recent years, which impacted the decision-making process,' he told Bernama in an exclusive interview recently.
He noted that a decision to replace the Aerotrain was made as early as 2016, but subsequent political shifts in 2018 until 2022 caused delays in implementation.
'Over the past six years, we've had five prime ministers, five chairmen, and five chief executive officers. Every time there is a change, it affects the decision-making process.
'While management was aware of the need to replace the train and recommended it, circumstances beyond our control slowed the process,' he explained.
The chairman assured that the Aerotrain project is now progressing as scheduled, with testing currently underway.
'Everything is in place. The train is on the track, the power supply is ready and testing is ongoing. Since it's a public transport system, we must obtain approval from the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) and the service is expected to be operational by the second quarter of this year,' he said.
The Aerotrain, which serves as a vital mode of transport between the airport terminals, was suspended in March 2023 for maintenance and upgrading works after a breakdown, with an initial promise to restore service in time for the new year.
The service, which had been in operation for 25 years, has been a backbone of KLIA's internal transport network since 1998.
In January this year, MAHB announced that the Aerotrain service would resume in the second quarter of 2025. — Bernama
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Barnama
40 minutes ago
- Barnama
Ace Market-bound Express Powerr To Raise RM36.0 Mln From IPO
REGION - CENTRAL > NEWS KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 20 (Bernama) -- Generator rental services provider Express Powerr Solutions (M) Bhd which is en route to be listed on the ACE Market of Bursa Malaysia on Sept 24, 2025, is expected to raise RM36.0 million through its upcoming initial public offering (IPO). The IPO price is fixed at 20 sen per share, giving the company a market capitalisation of RM186.9 million upon listing, based on an enlarged issued share capital of 934.4 million shares. Managing director Lim Cheng Ten said the proceeds would enable the company to expand its fleet by at least 36 units and acquire medium- and high-voltage equipment to support this expansion over the next three years. bootstrap slideshow Lim said Tenaga Nasional Bhd is expected to remain Express Powerr's largest revenue contributor, although its reliance has dropped to 60 per cent in 2024 from 95 per cent previously. 'Looking ahead, we see opportunities in the oil and gas (O&G) sector, where reliable, high-capacity power is critical, especially offshore and in remote environments. We plan to explore this further in the fourth quarter of the year,' he said. He noted that with 27 O&G projects worth RM4.46 billion approved in the first nine months of 2024, demand for generator sets (gensets) in exploration and drilling is set to rise. To reward shareholders, Lim said the company has adopted a dividend policy of 30-50 per cent of net profit. On diversification, he said the group's solar business remains in its infancy and would not be a near-term focus. Instead, Express Powerr aims to expand its presence within Malaysia, adding Penang and Kelantan to its current coverage of Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Negeri Sembilan, Johor, Pahang and Sabah.
Barnama
an hour ago
- Barnama
National Council For Local Government To Adopt New Service Efficiency Act
PUTRAJAYA, Aug 20 (Bernama) -- The 86th National Council for Local Government (MNKT) meeting today agreed to implement the Government Service Efficiency Commitment Act 2025 (Act 867) at the state and local authority levels to strengthen the public service reform agenda. Minister of Housing and Local Government, Nga Kor Ming, outlined that Act 867 focuses on four key principles: improving service efficiency, reducing bureaucratic red tape by at least 25 per cent, enhancing accountability in governance, and ensuring effective regulation through structural reforms. 'The government will review outdated regulatory instruments that burden the public and the business community. We aim to reduce regulatory burdens by 25 per cent, introduce a 'One In, One Out' approach for regulatory documents, and establish a performance rating system for services. 'This includes offering financial incentives to civil servants for their performance, with recognition and rewards,' Nga said in a statement today. The Government Service Efficiency Commitment Bill 2025, designed to improve the quality and effectiveness of government services, was passed in the Dewan Rakyat on March 6 and in the Dewan Negara on March 25. In addition to the bill, the MNKT meeting also reviewed the 2025 Urban Renewal Bill. This new legislation aims to facilitate efficient, inclusive, and sustainable urban redevelopment. The council also discussed guidelines for parking spaces for persons with disabilities (PWD), ensuring a more consistent approach nationwide. 'A proposal was made to implement central cooling systems in industrial zones, which could reduce carbon emissions, lower energy costs, and improve industrial efficiency. We also discussed guidelines for solar farm planning to ensure renewable energy development is both environmentally friendly and beneficial to local communities,' Nga added. The meeting, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, reiterated the Federal government's commitment to strengthening cooperation between the state governments and local authorities, with the goal of realising Malaysia MADANI's aspirations.
Barnama
an hour ago
- Barnama
FAM Targets RM15 Mln In Sponsorship For 2025
PETALING JAYA, Aug 20 (Bernama) -- The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) is targeting RM15 million in sponsorship for 2025 to support administrative operations and the national team. FAM Sponsorship and Marketing Committee chairman Datuk Mohd Hisamudin Yahaya said they have, so far, secured between RM7 million and RM8 million in sponsorships. 'This is still short and we are striving to achieve the target set,' he said at a media conference announcing the renewal of FAM's partnership with the isotonic drink brand 100PLUS.
