Passenger: Miri Airport shook as escalator collapsed
June 6, 2016
Five escalator steps suddenly collapse at Miri Airport causing the building to shake, says a passenger.
MIRI: For Limbang-born Nurashikin Abdul Rahman, yesterday was a day to remember when an escalator broke down at Miri Airport, causing the building to shake as if in an earthquake.
“I thought it was an earthquake when suddenly there was a commotion after a loud sound accompanied by the building shaking,” she told Bernama last night.
The 22-year old Nurashikin, who was waiting for her MAS Kuching-bound flight scheduled to depart at 4.40pm, 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 a problem with the escalator.”
She said the crowds were jostling later to take photographs of the escalator.
Meanwhile, the state government has instructed Malaysia Airport Holdings Berhad (MAHB) to change the escalators at Miri Airport following the incident at 3.45pm yesterday afternoon.
State Assistant Minister for Land, Air Transportation and Safety, Lee Kim Shin said he was told by MAHB officials that five escalator steps suddenly collapsed but that no one was injured in the incident.
“The escalator was last maintained on May 31, 2016, I have requested that all three escalators at Miri Airport be changed as they are very old,” he told Bernama last night.
Lee said MAHB had cordoned the affected escalator as the contractor was carrying out repair works and awaiting spare parts.
“I was told that MAHB was in the process of calling for a tender for the escalators and hoped it could be done as soon as possible,” he said.
– BERNAMA
