Kuala Lumpur International Airport
An AirAsia aircraft is seen on the tarmac at Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Sepang, Malaysia Reuters

Kuala Lumpur's new budget passenger terminal is sinking, as cracks in the taxiway lead to formation of pools of water that planes must drive through.

The terminal's biggest user AirAsia blamed the airport operator, Malaysia Airports Holdings, for the issue, saying the defects could lead to flight delays, increased wear and tear on planes and potential safety risks.

AirAsia group chief Tony Fernandes in a number of Twitter posts highlighted the seriousness of the issue, and demanded official action to address the situation.

"The response from Malaysia airports that this is to be expected is ridiculous. The board and management need a strong hard look at themselves," he said.

"Sad that my CEO @aireenomar has to waste her time keep going to Malaysia airports to sort something that should never have happened."

He separately posted a photo showing an AirAsia plane parked at the terminal with the wheels of its front landing gear twisted to the side.

"Is this to be expected? 8 hour delay due to plane slipping of chocks. The board has to take responsibility," he said.

The Asia-focused budget carrier had earlier asked the authorities to fix the problems to avoid risks, though take-offs and landings were not affected, Bloomberg reported, citing an interview with Aireen Omar, AirAsia Country CEO of Malaysia.

"The airport is still sinking," Aireen was quoted as saying. The operator, Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd, "has done some partial resurfacing, but what the airport actually needs is a permanent solution."

The issues at the new terminal have come as a further blow to the reputation of Malaysia's aviation sector, which was earlier hit by two deadly accidents.

In July 2014, Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 was shot down over rebel-held territory in eastern Ukraine, killing all 298 aboard. In March 2014, flight MH370, carrying 239 passengers and crew, deviated from its course and disappeared in what has become one of the greatest mysteries in aviation history.

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