PUTRAJAYA, July 4: Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook today clarified that the recent incidents involving the new KLIA Aerotrain service were not caused by any weakness in the train system itself.
Addressing the various public comments and concerns raised including that the train “cannot withstand heavy rain” following the temporary suspension of the KLIA Aerotrain service earlier today, he said this morning’s disruption was due to a technical fault in one of the drainage pumps within the existing tunnel infrastructure at KLIA.
These pumps are part of the airport’s legacy facilities, not part of the new Aerotrain replacement programme. When the pump failed to operate as designed, rainwater accumulated in the tunnel and
reached a safety threshold, automatically activating the Aerotrain’s safety systems to suspend operations as a precaution, he said.
“This is precisely how a modern rail system should function — prioritising passenger safety above all else. Once the water was cleared and all safety checks were completed, services resumed at 12.15pm today,” he said in a statement issued Friday evening.
The minister also explained that another incident on July 2nd, one of the Aerotrain lines was paused due to a passenger obstructing the platform doors from closing.
“The Aerotrain’s safety features were triggered to prevent the doors from closing forcefully, avoiding potential harm to the individual involved. This safety response was intentional and appropriate.”
He said that the incidents, though regrettable for passengers’ convenience, actually demonstrated the integrity and reliability of the new Aerotrain’s safety systems. These systems are designed to
detect potential hazards and to halt operations rather than risk passenger safety.
The new Aerotrain assets at KLIA are built to meet international standards and are operating well, Loke said, adding that Malaysia Airports and the Transport Ministry remained committed to continuously improving services and resolving any issues swiftly to provide safe and seamless journeys for all travellers.
He also appealed to the public for their patience and understanding during the fine-tuning of the operations in the early phase of the new Aerotrain service.
–WE