klia2 will begin operations as scheduled, says Hishammuddin

Despite failing to obtain its Certificate of Completion and Compliance (CCC), klia2 will begin operating on May 2 as scheduled, said acting Transport Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein.

Hishamuddin said the Ministry of Transport 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.

Hishamuddin’s comments came following reports that two-thirds of the klia2 building failed to meet fire and safety standards after an inspection last week.

Pakatan Rakyat lawmakers weighed in on the issue and demanded that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission investigate the delay and ballooning cost of the project.

Hishammuddin said that as the minister in-charge, he did not want to find fault or blame anyone.

"I just want to ensure that this national project is not faced with any obstruction which can jeopardise it.

"This will be the first time a private project is monitored this closely by the government, to ensure it is completed within the stipulated deadline," he said, adding that he would be conducting spot checks till the project is completed.

When asked as to how 65% of the main terminal did not comply with fire and safety standards despite the ministry's weekly checks, Hishammuddin said that the defects will be addressed when the spot checks are carried out.

"Previously there have been many allegation made towards klia2, but all unfounded... don't confuse and complicate matters."

klia2 operator, Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) in a statement said today that Indah Water Konsortium, the Sepang Municipal Council and the Fire and Rescue Department inspected the building last week and found that 65% of the main terminal did not comply with fire and safety standards.

MAHB said that there were also cracks in a sewerage pipe outside the terminal and parts of the road and drainage are not fit for use.

The authorities' recommendation is essential for the issuance of the Certificate of Completion and Compliance (CCC).

klia2 has missed several deadlines for opening with the last one scheduled for April 30 before being moved to May 2.

MAHB said it failed to receive the CCC for the klia2 terminal building from UEMC-Bina Puri.

The main contractor, UEMC-Bina Puri Joint Venture, had earlier assured that it would hand over the terminal building or the CCC to the airport operator by January 31.

MAHB said it would continue to engage with UEMC-Bina Puri on the next course of action in regard to the issuance of the CCC and the commencement of operational readiness and airport transfer or ORAT.

"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 January 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.

The Star reported that rectification works would take about three to four weeks to complete and even though the contractors are scheduling for another test to be conducted by the Fire and Rescue Department in two weeks, any delay in getting the building certified fit will have an impact on the opening of the airport.

The klia2 task force had also met yesterday to deliberate on the reasons why the CCC was not obtained.

It is not known if the contractors will be penalised for failure to secure the CCC, the daily reported. – February 5, 2014.