SEPANG, July 15 — Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) has invested RM30 million in the first half of 2025 to improve overall passenger experience and operational efficiency at Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 1 (KLIA T1), marking the group’s first major airport upgrade since its privatisation in February.
KLIA T1 general manager of operations Abd Hasman Abd Muhimim said that with the rollout of 14 improvements and new features, MAHB hopes to raise KLIA’s Airport Service Quality (ASQ) score and improve its Skytrax ranking.
The enhancements are also part of MAHB’s preparation to welcome an expected influx of passengers to KLIA, as Malaysia prepares to host the 47th Asean Summit in October and the Visit Malaysia Year 2026.
“For these enhancements, we do not set any budget cap. We will continue to invest in upgrading all facilities at KLIA.
“This is especially important as, in the first half of 2025, KLIA has recorded 30.1 million passengers, a 9.9 per cent increase compared to the same period last year,” he told the press during a media walkabout.
Members of the press were briefed on the improvements made at KLIA during the session.
Among the key upgrades focused on improving processing speed and reducing congestion, MAHB has implemented a proof-of-concept open-belt bag-drop system comprising five mobile check-in units, capable of handling up to 10 times more baggage per hour than conventional counters.
At the domestic security checkpoints, lanes have been reconfigured with extended trays and designated areas for unpacking and repacking, resulting in an increase in throughput from 770 passengers per hour to 1,569 passengers per hour. As a result, average wait times have been reduced to under five minutes.
For international departures, nine new self-scanning boarding pass lanes have replaced six manual counters. These are equipped with step-by-step digital instructions to support faster processing and minimise queuing.
Two priority lane immigration counters have also been introduced for families with children, the elderly, expectant mothers and persons with reduced mobility.
MAHB has further enhanced its emergency response capability by deploying three paramedic teams on e-scooters, equipped with oxygen tanks, trauma kits, and automated external defibrillators (AEDs), stationed at both the main terminal and the satellite building.
To enhance passenger comfort and accessibility, 5,000 trolleys have been replaced with lightweight, strap-free models equipped with brakes for safer handling.
Additionally, 54 parking bays have been converted into 36 wider, family-friendly lots located closer to the terminal entrance.
To improve accessibility, 80 public washrooms have been upgraded with wider entrances, sensor-tap sinks, and emergency call buttons. Additionally, 100 new wheelchairs are now available for free use at key passenger areas.
Two themed nappy-change rooms, equipped with baby cots, hot-water dispensers and feeding areas, have also been opened, with three more scheduled for completion by August.
MAHB also introduced cultural enhancements at KLIA, including two large murals at Piers H and G featuring heritage elements from Penang and Melaka, aimed at enriching the passenger environment with local character.
Young travellers can now enjoy a newly installed orangutan-themed playground at Gate C30 in the satellite building.
— Bernama
