MACC Free to Probe KLIA’s RM456mil Aerotrain Project Amid Frequent Breakdowns

KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 12): The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has been given the green light to investigate the RM456 million Aerotrain project at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), provided there is sufficient evidence to warrant a probe, said Transport Minister Anthony Loke.

In a written parliamentary reply on Wednesday, Loke clarified that the Aerotrain project at KLIA Terminal 1 was fully funded by Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) and did not involve any government financing.

“The Transport Ministry, through the Land Public Transport Agency (Apad), acts as the regulatory authority for the project,” he said.

Loke explained that the Aerotrain is currently within its two-year Defects Liability Period (DLP), during which MAHB is implementing an action plan to improve the stability and reliability of the system.

“In this regard, Apad has opened an investigation paper into MAHB concerning the recent service disruptions,” he added, responding to a question from Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim (PN–Arau).

Shahidan had sought clarification on when the Aerotrain service would be fully operational again, following repeated breakdowns that have tarnished KLIA’s reputation as a world-class airport. He also asked whether the MACC would intervene in the project, given ongoing public concerns about its cost and performance.

Loke noted that MAHB’s operating license under the Land Public Transport Act 2010 requires the company to maintain a satisfactory level of service for passengers. Any breach of license conditions can result in fines of up to RM250,000 per offense.

“As of September 21, 2025, a total of 4.5 million passengers have used the KLIA Aerotrain service, with the system recording an average travel distance of 34,000 km,” he revealed.

Loke previously expressed “embarrassment and anger” over the latest Aerotrain breakdown on October 28, which forced passengers to walk along the rail tracks in the early hours of the morning. The incident marked the 21st service disruption since the new Aerotrain began operations in July 2025.

The MACC’s potential investigation comes amid growing public scrutiny over the project’s high cost, persistent technical failures, and MAHB’s management of the service, which was meant to modernize connectivity between KLIA’s main terminal and satellite buildings.

Authorities are expected to provide further updates once Apad’s investigation is completed and if the MACC decides to proceed with a formal inquiry.