KLIA Terminal 1 gets RM30mil facility boost ahead of Asean Summit in October, VM2026
These enhancements come at a strategic time, as Malaysia prepares to host the 47th Asean Summit in October and intensifies efforts for Visit Malaysia 2026.
General Manager of Operations for KLIA Terminal 1 Abd Hasman Abd Muhimim said the upgrades reflect MAHB's ongoing commitment to positioning KLIA as a world-class, efficient, and inclusive international hub.
"As of the first half of 2025, KLIA has recorded 30.1 million passengers, marking a 9.9% increase compared to the same period last year.
'Our aim is to reduce queuing times and improve operational efficiency at every touchpoint. We continuously assess current needs and will expand facilities wherever necessary to ensure KLIA delivers the best possible service," he told reporters at KLIA on Monday (July 14).
Among the key enhancements is the deployment of paramedics on e-scooters to enhance emergency response at the terminal. The scooters, stationed at key areas in the main and satellite terminals, are equipped with oxygen tanks, trauma kits, and automated external defibrillators (AEDs).
"Well-trained paramedics can now arrive at the scene within three minutes to handle a range of emergencies, from cardiac arrests to minor injuries. This significantly reduces response times and improves overall passenger safety," he said.
Additionally, 36 family-friendly parking bays have been introduced, converted from 54 standard bays and located across various levels of the short-term car park.
Abd Hasman explained that this move came in response to the increasing number of families travelling through KLIA, prompting the airport to provide more tailored and convenient facilities.
To support mobility and accessibility, MAHB is also rolling out 100 new wheelchairs, with 50 already available free of charge at key locations throughout the terminal, including the main terminal building and satellite concourses.
Accessibility and inclusion, Abd Hasman noted, remain at the heart of the airport's improvement strategy. A total of 80 washrooms have been upgraded into fully integrated accessible facilities, complete with wider entrances, sensor taps, grab bars, and emergency call buttons positioned at floor level — upgrades that reinforce KLIA's reputation as a family- and disability-friendly airport.
Passenger convenience has been further improved through the replacement of 5,000 outdated baggage trolleys with lighter, more stable models featuring strap-free handles and built-in brakes.
Passenger processing has seen significant upgrades as well. A mobile bag-drop system has been introduced on a trial basis, enabling the processing of 10 times more luggage than traditional counters. At the domestic security checkpoint, enhanced tray lanes and unpack/repack zones have doubled screening capacity to 1,500 passengers per hour, reducing wait times to under five minutes.
Self-service capabilities have also been expanded, with nine automated boarding pass scanners now operational at international airside entry points — up from just six manual lanes previously — offering faster, more contactless processing.
To facilitate smoother departures for passengers requiring assistance, two additional immigration priority counters have been added. These serve families with young children, the elderly, expectant mothers, and passengers with reduced mobility. Clearer signage has been introduced to ensure these counters are easily located.
Beyond functional improvements, the upgrades also enhance the overall ambience of the terminal. New heritage-themed wall installations celebrate Malaysian culture and identity, creating visually engaging public spaces.
Wayfinding at Aerotrain stations has been improved to help passengers navigate more easily, while the Kids Zone at Gate C30 has been revitalised with an orangutan-themed playground to provide an interactive and fun space for children.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Malaysiakini
4 hours ago
- Malaysiakini
MAHB Enhances KLIA T1 with RM30mil in Upgrades for Smoother Travel
KL International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1 is undergoing a major transformation as Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) ramps up efforts to enhance the passenger experience and boost operational efficiency. In the first half of 2025, MAHB invested RM30 million into a series of upgrades, the company's first large-scale enhancement project since its privatisation in February. The move comes as Malaysia prepares to host the 47th ASEAN Summit in October and gears up for Visit Malaysia Year 2026, both of which are expected to drive a surge in international and domestic travel. The upgrades reflect MAHB's drive to position KLIA as a world-class international hub, one that is efficient, inclusive, and future-ready, according to KLIA Terminal 1 General Manager of Operations, Abd Hasman Abd Muhimim. KLIA has already recorded 30.1 million passengers in the first half of 2025, a 9.9 percent increase compared to the same period last year, underscoring the need for improved capacity and service quality. Smarter Systems, Smoother Journeys Among the 14 new features and enhancements are innovations aimed at reducing congestion and speeding up passenger processing throughout the terminal. During Malaysiakini's visit on Monday, July 15th, the Aerotrain service which officially resumed operations on July 1st after several months of suspension was running smoothly, with a steady stream of passengers boarding at both the main terminal and satellite building. The scene signalled renewed public confidence in the service. A key highlight among the upgrades is a proof-of-concept open-belt bag-drop system, featuring five mobile check-in units capable of handling up to 10 times more baggage per hour than conventional counters helping to ease bottlenecks at departure areas. Security screening processes have also been streamlined. At domestic checkpoints, lanes have been reconfigured with extended trays and repacking zones, increasing passenger throughput from 770 to 1,569 people per hour. Wait times have now been reduced to under five minutes on average. For international departures, nine self-scanning boarding pass lanes have replaced six manual counters, enabling faster processing with easy-to-follow digital instructions. MAHB has also introduced priority immigration counters for families with children, senior citizens, pregnant women, and passangers with reduced mobility, part of a broader effort to make KLIA more inclusive and accessible.. Boosting comfort, safety and accessibility MAHB has not only focused on speed but also comfort and safety. Three paramedic teams on e-scooters, equipped with oxygen tanks, trauma kits, and automated external defibrillators (AEDs), have been deployed throughout the terminal, including the satellite building, to enhance emergency response readiness. A fleet of 5,000 passenger trolleys has been replaced with lightweight, strap-free models fitted with brakes for easier and safer handling. Meanwhile, 54 standard parking bays have been converted into 36 wider, family-friendly lots located closer to the terminal entrance. The move comes in response to internal data showing that around 20 percent of KLIA passengers travel with children, prompting MAHB to expand parking options that better accommodate families. In line with efforts to make the terminal more family-friendly and culturally distinctive, MAHB has introduced a new orangutan-themed indoor playground at the Kids Zone in the Satellite Building. In terms of accessibility, 80 public washrooms have been upgraded with wider entrances, sensor taps, and emergency call buttons. Additionally, 50 wheelchairs are now available free of charge at key passenger areas. Travelling parents can also expect greater convenience. MAHB has introduced two themed nappy-changing rooms equipped with baby cots, hot water dispensers, and feeding areas, with three more scheduled for completion by August. To infuse the airport experience with a touch of local identity, MAHB has installed two large murals featuring cultural elements from Penang and Melaka at Piers H and G. These visual installations are part of MAHB's ongoing efforts to make KLIA more than just a transit point but a gateway to Malaysia's heritage and hospitality. 'We're not just building a functional airport, we're building a welcoming experience,' said Abd Hasman. With more international traffic expected in the coming months, MAHB is positioning KLIA Terminal 1 to meet future demands while delivering a world-class travel experience rooted in Malaysian warmth and character. As Malaysia prepares to welcome the region and the world, KLIA Terminal 1's latest upgrades reflect not just an investment in infrastructure, but a renewed commitment to service, safety and cultural identity.
The Star
10 hours ago
- The Star
KLIA undergoes RM3mil green makeover for Visit Malaysia 2026
SEPANG: A new RM3mil green landscaping project to beautify the surroundings of KL International Airport (KLIA) ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026 is set to be completed by early next year, says Nga Kor Ming. The Housing and Local Government Minister revealed that the project will bring noticeable aesthetic improvements to the main entrances of KLIA Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. The roads leading out from both terminals will also receive a green makeover, with various new plants added along the path for a more natural look. Themed "Harmony in Diversity," the project will include plants such as Teh Pagar (commonly used for hedges), Mexican Petunia, Willow Leaf, and Green Aralia. The final stretch of road before exiting KLIA is expected to feature a new large signboard, decorated with batik patterns and plants, with the words "Welcome to Malaysia" displayed prominently as visitors drive away from the airport. The drop-off areas of the terminals are also set to become much livelier with new vertical landscape walls planned to be added along the sidewalks and attached to the pillars, featuring an arrangement of various plant species and batik patterns. "This project will play a vital role in strengthening KLIA's image as our premier national entry gateway, showcasing both our unique cultural diversity and environmental commitment to visitors. "The landscape development commitment reflects the continuous efforts of the government in enhancing public spaces and creating a more sustainable, livable, and conducive environment for the overall well-being of the community. "It also aligns with our ambition to further prepare for and promote Visit Malaysia 2026 next year," he said in a press conference at KLIA on Thursday (July 17). Nga noted that the design of the project would be developed entirely by the National Landscape Department in collaboration with Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB). He added that the project is estimated to take at least six months to complete, with maintenance works to be handled by the project's contractor until Dec 2026, after which it will be handed over entirely to MAHB.
Malay Mail
10 hours ago
- Malay Mail
Vertical gardens, multilingual signs part of KLIA's RM3m green upgrade ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026
SEPANG, July 17 — The Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT), through the National Landscape Department (JLN), has allocated RM3 million for a green and sustainable landscape development project at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and surrounding areas, in preparation for Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026). Its Minister, Nga Kor Ming, said the project, expected to be completed in December this year, aims to enhance visual appeal and comfort for tourists and international delegations, creating a positive first impression of the country. 'It also plays an important role in strengthening KLIA's image and identity as the nation's main gateway, reflecting Malaysia's uniqueness and harmony,' he said. 'The commitment to landscape development implemented by KPKT, through JLN, reflects the government's strategic initiatives and continuous efforts to beautify public spaces, while creating a more sustainable, livable, and conducive environment for the well-being of the community,' Nga said at a press conference on landscape development at KLIA today. Also present were his deputy, Datuk Aiman Athirah Sabu, JLN director-general Mansor Mohamad, and Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) managing director Datuk Mohd Izani Ghani. Nga said the proposed project site covers the departure and arrival halls at KLIA Terminals 1 and 2, as well as sections of the main road exiting the airport, which serves as a primary access point for KLIA users, especially domestic and international tourists. He added that the design will be developed in-house by JLN's landscape architects, in collaboration with MAHB, based on the concept of 'Harmony in Diversity' to reflect Malaysia's rich cultural heritage. The design will incorporate elements of architecture, landscape, printmaking, artefacts, language, race, and traditions. He said that the landscape development would involve the proposal for a vertical landscape design in the departure and arrival halls, along with the planting of various plant species along the main route to enhance the visual appeal of the KLIA environment. 'To showcase Malaysia's cultural diversity, we will also include entrance statements in multiple languages, including Malay, English, Chinese, and Tamil,' he said. — Bernama
