PETALING JAYA: The recent disruptions to the KLIA Aerotrain service were not a breakdown of the train itself, says Anthony Loke.

The Transport Ministry defended the train service, saying that the disruptions were caused by the train’s advanced safety features being triggered.

“This morning’s disruption was due to a technical fault in one of the drainage pumps within the existing tunnel infrastructure at KLIA. These pumps are part of the airport’s legacy facilities, not part of the new Aerotrain replacement programme.

“When the pump failed to operate as designed, rainwater accumulated in the tunnel and reached a safety threshold, automatically activating the Aerotrain’s safety systems to suspend operations as a precaution. This is precisely how a modern rail system should function— prioritising passenger safety above all else,” he said in a statement on Friday (July 4).

He added that services resumed at 12.15pm the same day.

Loke said that an earlier disruption to the Aerotrain service on July 2 was due to a passenger obstructing the platform doors from closing. The Aerotrain’s safety features were triggered to prevent the doors from closing forcefully, avoiding potential harm to the individual involved.

“This safety response was intentional and appropriate. Both these incidents, though regrettable for passengers’ convenience, actually demonstrate the integrity and reliability of the new Aerotrain’s safety systems,” he said, adding that he assured the trains were built to international standards.

Earlier on Friday, services at the newly relaunched Aerotrain had been suspended, with Malaysia Airports stating that it had been due to water accumulating in the tunnel following heavy rain.

It said one of the drainage pumps in the tunnel experienced a technical fault during the downpour, preventing the automatic removal of water.

“As a safety precaution, train operations were suspended until the water was manually cleared and the tracks were confirmed safe for use,” it said.