'Waterfall' in KLIA caused by contractor error during roof repairs

The water seen gushing out from a ceiling structure in Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 1 (KLIAI) on Nov 14 was due to a contractor error, said Malaysia Airports.

- Ian Cheng

Videos posted on social media showed water pouring from a ceiling structure at KLIA1. PHOTO: SCREENGRAB FROM EEEVST/X

(SCREENGRAB FROM EEEVST/X)

The airport operator on Nov 15 said the incident occurred while roof repair and waterproofing works were being carried out as part of its broader infrastructure renewal programme, reported Malaysian news agency Bernama.

The works are part of a yearlong project that began in April 2025 to repair and waterproof the main terminal roof.

Malaysia Airports said in its statement that the contractor had been sealing and covering drainage channels on the rooftop when lightning activity intensified around the airport.

All work was stopped immediately in accordance with safety procedures and the workers were instructed to evacuate the rooftop area.