KUALA LUMPUR: An Umno Supreme Council member has slammed the transport and tourism ministers for their failure to ensure adequate maintenance of facilities at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).
Datuk Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi specifically drew attention to the crowded and uncomfortable conditions experienced by passengers and tourists during the transfer from the KLIA main building to the international departures terminal.
"Where is (Transport Minister) Anthony Loke? Where is (Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister) Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing?" Puad questioned in a Facebook post today, expressing his frustration with the lack of action.
Highlighting the persistent issues, Puad also voiced his concerns about the breakdown of the Aerotrain.
"This appears to be a 'first-class facility' with 'low-class maintenance'," he emphasised, criticising the prolonged time taken to address these problems.
Puad shared his personal experience describing how he encountered a malfunctioned Aerotrain on June 17 during his trip to Jeddah.
He said upon his return a month later, the issue remained unresolved.
Puad then directed his criticism towards Tiong, accusing him of failing to address the matter appropriately and questioning his silence on the matter
"KLIA is the gateway for foreign tourists. The image of a developed country fades when tourists are 'packed like sardines' into the shuttle buses," Puad asserted.
"Where is Tiong? He is the Tourism Minister. Doesn't he want to visit KLIA again?
"The other day, he made (the visit for a) Chinese woman. This issue affects thousands of tourists every day. Why the silence?"
Puad was referring to the incident last month when Tiong was at the centre of a commotion with immigration officers at KLIA, in an attempt to intervene in a case where a Chinese national was allegedly prohibited entry into Malaysia.
Tiong stated that his visit to the airport had revealed a "culture of corruption" among a few officials and the "persistent abuse of power."
The incident also prompted Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to pay a "surprise" visit to KLIA Terminal 1 to assess the performance of the immigration staff.
Puad also slammed Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) for their handling of the situation, particularly the cramped conditions on the shuttle buses.
He expressed concern for passengers and tourists who are compelled to stand inside the overcrowded buses with their hand luggage, highlighting the difficulties faced by the elderly.
He questioned the level of hospitality demonstrated by Malaysia, asking, "Is this Malaysia's hospitality?"
Puad concluded his Facebook by calling on Anwar to make another visit to KLIA.