Government ensures smooth operations for Asean chairmanship, says Fahmi

By SUFEA SALEHUDDIN

PREPARATIONS for Malaysia’s role as Asean chair are now complete, with facilities tailored to accommodate official delegations, according to Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil.

The government has ensured that meetings and events will proceed seamlessly, even as the Aerotrain Replacement Project at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) faces delays. 

Fahmi emphasised that dedicated transport services and special lanes for delegations have been established, starting from the aeroplane door itself.

“These facilities are in place specifically for the purpose of the Asean chairmanship,” Fahmi said at a press conference following the weekly cabinet meeting on Wednesday.

In response to queries about measures taken due to the Aerotrain project delays, Fahmi highlighted the government’s readiness to support Malaysia’s hosting duties. 

Earlier, Transport Minister Anthony Loke voiced his dissatisfaction with the project’s slow progress, noting the contractor’s failure to provide a definitive operational timeline.

“It is now undergoing dynamic testing and it will be full testing later. After that, there will be a system integration,” Loke said in a separate press conference on Wednesday.

Additionally, Fahmi mentioned that the same level of facilities would be extended to support initiatives like the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign, reinforcing the government’s commitment to enhancing the country’s global standing through well-planned logistical arrangements.