Planning to fly the friendly skies out of the new KLIA2 terminal? You might have to wait a little bit more … or not.
The KLIA2 project has failed the battery of tests necessary for it to obtain its Certificate of Completion and Compliance (CCC), according to a statement from Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB).
This is despite the fact that MAHB was given assurances from the new airport’s main contractor, UEMC-Bina Puri Joint Venture, that the CCC or the building itself would be handed over to the aiport operator by January 31.
Indah water Konsortium Sdn Bhd, the Sepang Municipal Council and the Fire and Rescue Department inspected the building in the last week of January, and found that 65% of the main terminal complex did not comply with fire and safety standards. They discovered cracks in a sewerage pipe outside the terminal, and sections of the road and drainage are currently still unfit for use.
MAHB’s statement added that “all efforts are being taken to support UEMC-Bina Puri JV towards the completion of the terminal building to enable the opening of KLIA2 on May 2, 2014.”
In a separate statement, UEM-Bina Puri confirmed it could not obtain the CCC by Jan 31 and claimed that this was due to an “unexpected issue” which occurred recently during a follow-up inspection.
“The JV partners have discussed and are working with MAHB, the authorities, consultants and architects to rectify the matter and rectification works will commence immediately. Public safety is the main priority, thus, we will ensure proper rectification works are diligently carried out.
“At the same time, UEMC-Bina Puri JV will work together with MAHB on the next course of action in regard to the issuance of the CCC and the commencement of ORAT,’’ it added.
Acting Transport Minister Datuk Seri Hishamuddin Hussein, meanwhile, insists that the KLIA2 terminal will begin operating on May 2 as scheduled, and that the Ministry of Transportation will not entertain any requests for the opening to be delayed.
“I will hold those who had promised the government that they can complete KLIA2 by May 2 to their word, and the quality and safety of this project will also not be compromised,” he said.
Hishammuddin said that he will begin micro-managing parties involved in the project following revelations of defects in klia2.
“I am going to find out who is the main obstruction in this, and when I do, I will not hesitate to show them up and take action,” he told reporters in Putrajaya today.
Source: The Star Online, The Malaysian Insider
