Klia2 safe for operation, meets international standards - Hishammuddin

Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2 (klia2) is safe for operation and has fulfilled all international standards as required, says acting Transport Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein.

He said this was based on the assurance given by international expert bodies including the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and the reports prepared by local consultants.

"We have never compromised safety at klia2. The reports say that klia2 is not only safe in all aspects but has also met international standards.

"We look at the safety aspect in relation to the movement of passengers, a borderless world and the importance of cooperation among the agencies involved like the Customs, Fire and Rescue, and Public Works departments and the police.

"This will reflect our capability as a nation," he told a news conference after the opening of the Express Rail Link (ERL) Station at klia2, here, Wednesday.

Also present were Works Minister Datuk Fadillah Yusof and Urban Wellbeing, Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Abdul Rahman Dahlan.

The new budget airline terminal is scheduled to open on May 2, while the AirAsia Group will on May 9, move all its operations at the Low-Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT) to the new airport, which can accommodate 45 million passengers a year.

Hishammuddin said there would be many challenges that klia2 needed to address including movement of people, movement from the KL International Airport (KLIA) to klia2, and getting all the agencies to work together.

"This is an iconic project that we should all be proud of. It is clear from all involved that it has not been an easy journey but still, we reach our destination.

"All tests have been done but I want to take the opportunity a day in advance to thank the whole team and my colleagues in the Cabinet who were involved in ensuring the scheduled date (of opening) will actually materialise. I hope tomorrow things will go on smoothly," he added. Meanwhile, Hishammuddin confirmed that the RM100 million in cost for the ERL railway to klia2 was actually meant for a 2.2-kilometre extension, and not one kilometre as reported.

He also explained that the RM2 charge for the ride between KLIA and klia2 was to ensure maintenance and operational work could be carried out.

"We need to plan ahead and we should be able to pass this to the next generation. So we take this into account now," he said.