Scare for passenger when escalator broke down at Miri Airport

For Limbang-born Nurashikin Abdul Rahman, yesterday was a day to remember, when an escalator broke down at Miri Airport.

"I thought it was an earthquake when suddenly there was a commotion after a loud sound and at the same time the building shook," she told Bernama on Sunday night.

The 22-year old Nurashikin who was waiting for her MAS Kuching-bound flight that scheduled to depart at 4.40pm yesterday was sleeping when the incident happened.

"I was so frightened I nearly forgot to wear my slippers. I ran as fast as I could to find out what happened and was relieved when told it was due to escalator problem."

She said the crowd were jostling taking photograph of the escalator.

Meanwhile, the state government has requested Malaysia Airport Holding Berhad (MAHB) to change the escalators at Miri Airport following the scary incident at 3.45pm Sunday.

State Assistant Minister for Land, Air Transportation and Safety, Datuk Lee Kim Shin said he was told by MAHB officials that five escalator steps suddenly collapsed but luckily no one was hurt.

"The escalator was last maintained on May 31 2016, I have requested that all three escalators at Miri Airport be changed as they are too old," he told Bernama last night.

Lee said MAHB had cordoned the affected escalator as the contractor was repairing and waiting for spare parts.

"I was told that MAHB is in the process of calling tender for the escalators and hope it can be done as soon as possible," he said.