KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) suggests that its aerotrain services at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) is ready for operations soon after two years of suspension.
In an Instagram post uploaded earlier today on its account, MAHB said it is "almost there" as the aerotrain undergoes "thorough checks, tests and retests" to ensure it meets world-class standards.
"Safety remains our top priority, and we're subjecting the train to rigorous processes to guarantee its reliability and efficiency.
"We're committed to delivering a system you can rely on every single day. Stay tuned for more updates soon!," said MAHB.
The airport operator did not elaborate on the commencement of the project.
It is learnt that MAHB plans to update the media on the aerotrain service this week.
Meanwhile, MAHB highlighted in the one-minute video that the aerotrain is upgraded with next-generation aerotrain technology.
It also has undergone an 80-point rigorous safety inspection.
The next phase will include a 2,000km free fault runs with the Land Public Transport Agency.
Last week, Transport Minister Anthony Loke voiced dissatisfaction with MAHB over several decisions, particularly concerning the aerotrain replacement project, which will miss its Jan 31 commencement deadline.
The aerotrain service was suspended in March 2023 following an incident where its service broke down due to mechanical and electronic failures, resulting in 114 passengers being stranded mid-way on the tracks.
In August the same year, MAHB terminated Pestech International Bhd's RM743 million contract to build the new aerotrain, citing the latter's non-performance on the project.
It said the non-performance had compromised significant project milestones and risked delays in delivering the project within the deadline.
Pestech got reappointed in January last year as a contractor for the aerotrain project, this time with IJM Construction Sdn Bhd as a joint venture partner in a consortium with Alstom Transport Systems (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd.
In June 2024, MAHB said the aerotrain project was expected to be completed by Jan 31, 2025, ahead of schedule following the expedited timeline of the project.
The new completion date is finalised through a contract signed on June 14, 2024 between its subsidiary, Malaysia Airports (Sepang) Sdn Bhd, and Alstom Transport Systems (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, as well as a joint venture consisting IJM Construction Sdn Bhd and Pestech.