A water leak at KLIA Terminal 1 was triggered by a contractor who left drainage channels blocked during roofing works, says Malaysia Airports.
KUALA LUMPUR: A water leakage incident at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1 was caused by a contractor’s error during roof repair and waterproofing works.
Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) said initial investigations found the incident occurred during major roof rehabilitation work.
The contractor had been sealing drainage channels on the rooftop when lightning activity intensified.
All work was immediately halted and workers evacuated the rooftop area in line with safety procedures.
“In the rush to clear the area due to worsening weather conditions, the contractor failed to remove the plywood boards that were used as temporary covers for the drainage channels,” MAHB said in a statement.
This resulted in one of the roof drainage systems becoming blocked.
The blockage prevented heavy rainwater from draining as designed, causing a significant accumulation of water on the rooftop.
The pooled water eventually seeped through, leading to a ceiling leak that affected parts of the departure hall.
MAHB’s ground response team managed to clean up and secure the affected area within an hour and a half.
Airport operations continued safely and normally after the cleanup.
The airport operator stressed the contractor’s failure to follow basic work protocols was the direct cause.
It called the performance lapse “unacceptable” for work on critical airport infrastructure.
“KLIA is taking firm action against the contractor involved to address this performance lapse,” it added.
MAHB is working with the contractor to immediately strengthen work procedures.
This includes mandatory checks of weather forecasts before starting rooftop activities.
Enhanced emergency protocols for immediate work suspension during bad weather will also be implemented.
The roof works are part of a year-long project that began in April 2025.
The project forms a key component of Malaysia Airports’ broader infrastructure renewal programme. – Bernama
