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KLIA aerotrain set to resume service on July 1

Ministry keeping tabs on Iran Israel conflict KOTA TINGGI: The Defence Ministry will continue to closely monitor developments in the Iran-Israel conflict, given its potential implications to national interests and regional security, said Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin. He said the situation is alarming as it could escalate into a broader conflict, including disrupting global supply chains, impacting the world economy and endangering the safety of Malaysians in the region. “When a war breaks out, all countries are affected. Oil prices surge, supply chains are disrupted, global trade is hampered and trading nations like Malaysia will also feel the impact.” The Kota Tinggi MP was speaking after officiating at a ceremony to harvest Bentong ginger in Kampung Gembut yesterday, Bernama reported. He said the Iran-Israel conflict offers insights into the use of technology, which in turn helps Malaysia fortify national defence preparedness. Mohamed Khaled said the Foreign Ministry is coordinating efforts to evacuate Malaysians in Iran via land routes, as there are no inbound and outbound flights from Iran. “The country that has been arranged to receive them is Turkmenistan. From there, they will likely be brought home using commercial flights,” he said, adding that there is still a small number of Malaysians in Iran. “The evacuation process will be carried out in an orderly manner, taking into account security considerations.” ‘New top cop not PKR member’ KUALA LUMPUR: Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) has clarified that the newly appointed Inspector General of Police (IGP) Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail has never been a member of PKR, let alone held any position within the party. The party was responding to claims published on the social media page of a local news outlet on Friday, Bernama reported. PKR secretary-general Dr Fuziah Salleh said the circulation of an inaccurate profile linking the IGP to a political party could undermine his image and credibility. Fuziah said this could also fuel negative perceptions of PKR as the ruling party, if members of the public believe that Mohd Khalid’s appointment was politically motivated. She said such an error should never have occurred.

Following successful trial run, inspection at Terminal 1, final phase of testing to be carried out in coming days, says minister Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

which must meet stringent safety and performance standards set by the regulator.” He expressed gratitude to the Land Public Transport Agency and the Transport Ministry for their close oversight and support, and to contractor Alstom and its consortium partners for delivering the project within budget. The aerotrain replacement project began in 2022 as part of a three-year infrastructure upgrade at KLIA. The overhaul was deemed necessary after the original trains, in service since the airport’s opening in 1998, suffered frequent breakdowns.

three fully commissioned and the system’s built-in redundancy is ready for live operations. MAHB managing director Datuk Mohd Izani Ghani said the airport is now in the final stretch of preparations. “This includes testing our emergency response plan to ensure that we are ready for any eventuality. “Our volunteer employees are also participating in live trial runs to simulate passenger movement and help us fine tune operations. “It’s a system that requires seamless integration across multiple components, all of trains are

simultaneously during peak hours, with a third train set on standby as backup. During non peak or engineering hours, between midnight and 5am, only one train will operate to allow for maintenance.” He said the aerotrain is designed to offer a more seamless, comfortable and efficient transit experience as part of ongoing efforts to elevate KLIA’s service standards. He added that although the aerotrain is returning, the shuttle bus service introduced during its suspension would remain in operation for now. “Until the aerotrain service fully stabilises, we will continue running the buses to ensure uninterrupted service.” The resumption of service comes at a pivotal time as Malaysia prepares to host a series of Asean meetings and summits. “It also aligns with preparations for Visit Malaysia Year 2026, which is expected to see a surge in international arrivals. “This upgrade is part of our broader plan to ensure KLIA remains a world-class gateway to Malaysia. We want to provide a positive first impression for international visitors.” The project is being implemented under strict oversight from the Land Public Transport Agency, which required the system to undergo a rigorous validation process. The first train was required to complete 2,000km of continuous fault-free operations while the other two trains logged 1,000km each. This testing ensured that all Mohd Khalid’s leadership, I believe that the police force will continue to be a trusted institution among the people, respected by both friend and foe,” Zahid said in a post on his Facebook page. He expressed appreciation to outgoing IGP Tan Sri Razarudin Husain for his dedication and contributions during his tenure. The leadership transition was formalised during a handover and insignia ceremony held at Dewan Tan Sri Abdul Rahman Hashim. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, who witnessed the ceremony, also congratulated Mohd Khalid on

SEPANG: The long-awaited aerotrain service at KL International Airport (KLIA) will resume on July 1 at 10am, more than a year after it was suspended due to aging infrastructure and safety concerns. Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced its reopening yesterday following a successful trial run and inspection at KLIA Terminal 1. “We are now in the final phase of testing. Several more tests will be conducted in the coming days, including a major emergency response plan drill involving Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) staff and emergency services. “If all goes smoothly, the aerotrain service will resume as scheduled.” Loke acknowledged the frustrations faced by travellers but stressed that safety must take precedence. “As much as I wanted the service to restart earlier, all necessary tests had to be completed and approved by the Land Public Transport Agency.” Originally targeted for a Q1 2025 relaunch, the project was delayed to May, and eventually to July. Loke said the delay was due to extended safety testing and system fine-tuning, not any critical faults. The upgraded aerotrain, consisting of three connected compartments with a capacity of 90 passengers each, can carry 270 passengers per trip. “Two train sets will operate

Loke, accompanied by Mohd Izani (second from left), taking an aerotrain ride along with members of the media at KLIA Terminal 1 yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC

DPM expresses confidence in newly appointed IGP

Ű BY FAIZ RUZMAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

confidence.

his appointment. “I wish you well in shouldering this new responsibility. May you remain steadfast and resolute in continuing the police force’s leadership legacy in safeguarding the nation’s safety and wellbeing.” Saifuddin said police leadership must evolve in line with shifting national threats and public expectations. He emphasised that the handover of duty does not merely involve a change in leadership but also a shift in approach and responsibility to ensure that the force remains firm in upholding security, the rule of law and public

Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil also congratulated the new IGP and thanked Razarudin for his contributions. “I pray that Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid can continue fulfilling this trust with distinction, for the safety and wellbeing of the country,” Fahmi said in a post on X. Mohd Khalid, 60, was named the 15th IGP with effect from June 23, 2025 until June 22, 2027. Prior to becoming Bukit Aman Special Branch principal assistant director on Sept 6, 2021, he served in a number of significant roles within the Special Branch.

KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has expressed confidence that the police force would maintain its credibility under the leadership of newly appointed Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail. Zahid said Mohd Khalid, who has served in several key national security positions since 2018, brings extensive experience in strategic policing, including his role as Special Branch director. “ Insya-Allah , under Datuk Seri