LETTERS: The KLIA Aerotrain project, once a symbol of Malaysia's progress and innovation, has become a glaring reminder of poor management and inefficiency once again.
While Transport Minister Anthony Loke has taken steps to address the situation, the urgency of the matter demands stronger and more decisive action.
With Malaysia's Asean chairmanship in 2025 fast approaching, the stakes are higher than ever, and the time for leniency has long passed.
This project must be treated as a national priority, and immediate, bold measures are required to ensure its completion without further excuses.
The aerotrain service has been out of operation since March 2023, forcing passengers to rely on shuttle buses for nearly two years.
This situation is unacceptable for Malaysia's main international gateway and has severely impacted the airport's reputation.
While Loke's decision to terminate Pestech Technology, the original contractor, was the right move, the lack of a clear timeline for the project's completion under the new contractor shows that the current approach is insufficient.
Stronger oversight, more aggressive timelines, and stricter accountability must be enforced to get this project back on track.
Adding to the urgency, the project's cost has ballooned to RM456.1 million, a 15 per cent increase from its original budget.
This alarming escalation points to systemic failures within Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) and raises serious concerns about its ability to manage critical infrastructure.
Loke must not only demand transparency but also impose consequences for continued delays and cost overruns.
It's time to hold MAHB leadership accountable and, if necessary, replace those who are unable to deliver.
With Malaysia set to host global leaders and dignitaries for Asean 2025, KLIA must reflect the nation's capability and professionalism.
A non-functioning aerotrain at such a pivotal moment would be an international embarrassment. To avoid this, Loke must take aggressive steps to ensure the project is completed well ahead of schedule.
This includes establishing a dedicated high-level task force with the authority to enforce strict milestones, penalise non-performance, and ensure daily progress tracking. Regular updates must be shared publicly to maintain transparency and rebuild public trust.
In addition, the minister must push MAHB to engage global experts who have successfully delivered similar projects.
Malaysia cannot afford further missteps or delays—it's time to bring in proven expertise to fast-track the implementation.
The current approach of relying solely on internal resources has failed, and only bold, decisive interventions can prevent further embarrassment.
This situation demands strong leadership and immediate action.
Loke has shown commitment to addressing the issue, but it's clear that stronger, more forceful measures are needed.
The aerotrain project is not just about fixing a train—it's about safeguarding Malaysia's reputation, both regionally and globally.
With Asean 2025 just around the corner, KLIA must be fully operational and showcase the best of what Malaysia can offer.
The government must also treat this as a lesson for future infrastructure projects.
There must be zero tolerance for inefficiency, cost overruns, and repeated delays. By acting decisively now, Loke can set a precedent for how major projects should be handled going forward.
Malaysians deserve nothing less than a functioning, world-class airport, and this project is an opportunity to prove that Malaysia can deliver on its promises.
The clock is ticking. The minister must take stronger actions, enforce accountability at every level, and ensure that no further excuses are tolerated.
The KLIA Aerotrain project must be completed, not just as a functional system but as a statement of Malaysia's capability and ambition. There is no room for compromise—this is a moment for action, not delay.
DANIAL ZAMBERI
MY Mobility Vision chief sustainability officer
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times