Latest news with #Asean-ChinaInternationalRailTransitForum2025
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- New Straits Times
KLIA Aerotrain disruption caused by software bug, not mechanical failure: Loke
KUALA LUMPUR: The recent disruption involving the Aerotrain service at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) was not due to mechanical failure but a temporary technical glitch caused by a software bug, said Transport Minister Anthony Loke. Clarifying the matter, the minister said it was important for the public to understand that such system interruptions are not uncommon in large-scale automated operations, especially when they involve complex software. "It was not a breakdown in the traditional sense. This was a 15-minute disruption caused by a software bug. The system was restored within that period," he told the media at the Asean-China International Rail Transit Forum 2025 here today. Loke said that while the fault was not mechanical, it still required urgent attention to prevent similar incidents in the future. "We acknowledge that there are weaknesses that need to be addressed. These types of technical issues must be minimised, especially in a facility like KLIA that reflects our national image. "I urge Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) to give serious attention to this matter and ensure that their vendors and contractors are held accountable for the performance and maintenance of the system," he added. In just over a month since its relaunched on July 1, following more than two years of upgrading works valued at RM456 million, the service has been broken down a few times. In the latest incident on August 4, a minor technical issue caused a brief pause in the Aerotrain service. MAHB in a post on Facebook said the incident occurred at 10.30am due to a door not closing properly, prompting a precautionary 15 minute halt in operations. This was the third incident in almost a month since the Aerotrain was reopened last month. On July 4, service was temporarily suspended this morning after water accumulated in its tunnel following heavy rainfall. The incident occurred when one of the tunnel's drainage pumps experienced a technical fault during severe weather.
The Star
3 days ago
- Business
- The Star
No delay to Segamat-JB stretch of electrified double track rail project, says Loke
KUALA LUMPUR: There is no delay to the work on the Segamat to Johor Baru stretch of the KTMB's electrification and double tracking project (EDTP), says Transport Minister Anthony Loke. Speaking to the media after opening the Asean-China International Rail Transit Forum 2025 here Wednesday (Aug 6) morning, he said things remain on track for the entire EDTP - stretching 192km from Gemas to JB Sentral - to be ready by "the end of the year". "It is inaccurate to say that there is a delay. In fact, I have said a few months ago that the project will be completed in phases. The first phase was the opening of the Gemas to Segamat in March (2025)," he said. "The second phase will be from Segamat to Kluang, which we intend to open before Aug 31," he said. The third phase will be from Kluang to JB Sentral. On the actual commencement date of ETS services from Segamat to Kluang, Loke said the government is awaiting confirmation from a "very important person" who will be given the honour to drive the first ETS to Kluang. He, however, remained coy on the identity of the VIP. On the perception that the EDTP project is delayed, he said the first (new) train just finished testing, and that is the reason why he was not able to make any announcement any earlier, other than waiting for confirmation from the "VIP train driver". On the status of KL International Airport's aerotrain, which was beset with yet another service stoppage earlier this week, Loke said the interruption was indeed disappointing. "We acknowledge the weakness, and are regretful. We have told MAHB to see to it with the contractor," he said, while asking the public to consider that the aerotrain had actually moved 1.5 million passengers a month since it was relaunched on July 1 after a replacement programme. "It is a 15-minute interruption caused by a software bug, and is not a mechanical fault," he said, adding that like any system, maintenance has to be performed. The railway forum here was organised by UTAR with four Chinese institutions: the Beijing Jiaotong University, Urban Rapid Rail Transit, Centre for Railway Infrastructure and Engineering, as well as the Centre for Sustainable Mobility Technologies. The event was primarily sponsored by Tianma Bearing and China Railway Signal & Communication Co Ltd. In his opening speech, Loke praised UTAR's role - under the leadership of Prof Datuk Ewe Hong Tat - in contributing to the creation of a qualified workforce for the development of rail in Malaysia. UTAR's role in the development of the local rail industry comes from the Centre for Railway Infrastructure and Engineering under the leadership of Dr Chua Kein Huat.
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
ETS extension to Johor Bharu on track, no delays, says Transport Minister
KUALA LUMPUR: The Electric Train Service (ETS) extension to Johor Baru is proceeding as planned and has not been delayed, said Transport Minister Anthony Loke, dismissing recent media reports suggesting otherwise. "The media report claiming a delay is inaccurate. I have stated clearly, months ago, that the ETS3 project will be implemented in phases. "It is not a delay, this was always the plan," he told the media at the Asean-China International Rail Transit Forum 2025 here, today.
