THERE seems to be no end to the disruption of the Aerotrain services that provide passenger links between the main terminal at KLIA and the satellite terminal.
The Aerotrain, established in 1998, had functioned without major incidents until 2023. However, following a breakdown in March 2023, the service was suspended for two and a half years for a major overhaul costing RM456 mil.
When it was relaunched on July 1, 2025, the impression was given that its problems were finally behind us.
Unfortunately, just a day after its relaunch, the Aerotrain experienced another setback that caused a temporary disruption. On July 4, services were once again halted due to water seepage in the tunnel.
Barely a month later, on August 4, a technical issue caused a brief pause. Most recently, on September 3, a power trip brought one of the trains to a halt.
Despite the massive financial expenditure, the Aerotrain continues to be plagued by disruptions—whether technical, human-made, or otherwise.
The explanations offered by Transport Minister Anthony Loke and the management team have done little to inspire confidence as problems persist without resolution.
In 2001, KLIA was ranked the second-best airport in the world. By 2013, it had slipped to 14th place, and if another ranking were done today, KLIA might not even make the list. The Aerotrain debacle is one of the many reasons why.
Loke seems unable to see through the complex challenges of the Aerotrain service and is therefore not in a position to properly advise the government on its future feasibility.
If major international airports around the world can operate efficiently without such a system, one wonders why Malaysia adopted it in the first place. Instead of providing seamless connectivity, the Aerotrain has become a liability.
Isn’t it time for the government to reconsider whether maintaining the Aerotrain is worth defending at the expense of public funds?
Even the MCA Youth Wing has called for Loke’s resignation, citing his failure to resolve these long-standing issues.
There may indeed be merit in this call. Perhaps the government should appoint someone capable of honestly advising whether the Aerotrain should be replaced altogether.
The public deserves a system that provides reliable connectivity without burdening taxpayers. If the Aerotrain is obsolete, then it should be scrapped.
Why prolong the excuses? Malaysians are tired of officials justifying constant breakdowns, real or imagined. ‒ Sept 5, 2025
Former DAP stalwart and Penang deputy chief minister II Prof Ramasamy Palanisamy is the chairman of the United Rights of Malaysian Party (Urimai) interim council.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
Main image: The Star/Azhar Mahfof
