Latest news with #KLInternationalAirport
The Sun
a day ago
- Politics
- The Sun
Police deny issuing travel ban on activist
PETALING JAYA: Police have denied activist Mohd Fahmi Reza Mohd Zarin, also known as Fahmi Reza, is under any travel ban despite claims he was stopped from travelling abroad. Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain clarified that Fahmi's name was only placed on a travel monitoring list as part of an ongoing investigation. 'There is no official travel restriction imposed on Fahmi at this time. However, his name has been placed on a travel monitoring list for internal record-keeping and reference purposes as investigations involving him are ongoing.' He explained that the list is not a travel ban but part of routine monitoring procedures by authorities. Razarudin added that a misunderstanding at the KL International Airport (KLIA) checkpoint on June 7 resulted in Fahmi being mistakenly flagged as subject to a travel ban. 'This situation is currently under review and appropriate measures will be taken to improve existing procedures. 'Police remain committed to upholding and respecting the freedom of movement of all Malaysian citizens. The individual concerned is free to travel in and out of the country as usual, subject to regulations set by the Immigration Department and other applicable laws.' Earlier, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had instructed police to review the alleged travel ban on Fahmi. In a statement from the Prime Minister's Office, Anwar stressed that the Madani government upholds individual freedoms as long as they do not compromise national security or breach existing laws. 'Police must provide further clarification regarding this matter. The Prime Minister's Office will continue to monitor developments accordingly.' On Saturday, Fahmi claimed he was prevented from leaving Malaysia after recently being blacklisted from entering Sabah. In a Facebook post, he said he was barred from travelling after immigration officers at KLIA informed him he had been blacklisted. He said he arrived at KLIA at around 7.30am for a 9.35am flight. Upon reaching the international immigration clearance counter, he was redirected to the immigration office for further checks. 'I arrived at KLIA at 7.30am and I was stopped at the international departure immigration counter and asked to wait in a temporary office while officers checked with the Travel Control Office.' After presenting his departure clearance pass and flight ticket, Fahmi said he was told police had not approved his exit from the country.
The Star
5 days ago
- The Star
Aerotrain back on track soon
SEPANG: The bane of air travellers at the KL International Airport (KLIA) is set to be over with its broken down aerotrain to resume operations soon. The issue has been a major grouse and national embarrassment, with the facility out of service for over two years. Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the media will be invited for a test run next week before services resume for air travellers. However, he did not provide a specific date for resumption of services. 'We will ensure that the media is the first to test the aerotrain before it becomes operational,' he said after the groundbreaking ceremony of the Selangor Aero Park (SAP) here yesterday. Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) missed the first deadline of getting the aerotrain ready by Jan 31, and put off the target to the second quarter of the year. Big things ahead: Loke (centre) breaking ground at the Selangor Aero Park @ KLIA Aeropolis, Sepang, flanked by Amirudin (third from left) and Malaysia Airports chairman Nungsari Ahmad Radhi (third from right) as well as other guests. — FAIHAN GHANI/The Star The RM742.95mil aerotrain replacement project was only 85% completed at the start of the year. The aerotrain service was suspended indefinitely in March 2023 after two major breakdowns. On Feb 27 that year, an aerotrain halted midway on the track from the main terminal to the satellite building. A second train which was deployed also experienced technical difficulties, forcing travellers to walk to the satellite building. On March 1, 114 passengers were stranded when the aerotrain broke down again and had to walk about 500m to the satellite building, causing 10 passengers to miss their flights. On the SAP, Loke said the concept complemented the government's aspirations to turn KLIA Aeropolis into a leading air cargo hub in the region. 'We have the recipe and pre-conditions said to be unmatched by any other country in the Asean region, as KLIA has a 10km by 10km area which spans 100sq km. 'With this space, various plans can be implemented,' he said. Loke said with three parallel runways in KLIA presently, there is potential to build up to five runways. Loke also said the SAP, a project between MAHB and Mentri Besar Selangor Incorporated (MBI), will become a specific industry zone targeting companies in the aerospace manufacturing and supply chain sector. The SAP is a key component of the Malaysian Aerospace Industry Blueprint 2030 to generate RM55.2bil in annual aerospace revenue and create over 32,000 high-income jobs by 2030. Spanning 242.8ha within the KLIA Aeropolis, the park has a potential gross development value of RM2.3bil. Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, who was present, said the SAP was already 50% booked.
The Star
30-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
A NEW ERA OF TRAVEL AND RETAIL AT KLIA
AS MALAYSIA'S largest international airport, KL International Airport (KLIA) plays a pivotal role in welcoming international visitors. Last year, KLIA recorded 93.8 million passenger movements, with China, India and Indonesia ranking among the top nationalities. This recovery, reaching 90% of 2019 passenger levels, has been bolstered by initiatives such as the mutual visa-free policy between Malaysia and China. Alongside this growth, KLIA is undergoing a vibrant transformation in its retail and dining offerings, setting new standards for the modern airport experience. The Sense of Malaysia store celebrates local artisanal brands and cultural heritage, while also offering travellers a unique postcard service, allowing them to send personalised photo memories to loved ones worldwide. A vibrant transformation At the heart of KLIA's transformation is the commercial reset initiative, a strategic effort to elevate the airport's retail and shopping experience. This initiative has already led to the opening of 791 stores across both terminals, with full completion targeted for mid-2025. A key focus of this transformation is the revamp of KLIA's duty-free offerings, ensuring travellers have access to a diverse range of premium brands, exclusive products and enhanced retail experiences. Beyond duty-free, KLIA is also introducing innovative shopping concepts, including interactive digital storefronts, immersive brand showcases and personalised retail services that cater to evolving passenger preferences. Through continued investment, strategic partnerships and agility in seizing new opportunities, Malaysia Airports remains committed to redefining the passenger journey—ensuring a seamless, engaging, and world-class shopping experience at KLIA. This is exemplified by the recently revamped Eraman Duty-Free Mall at the international departure at the Main Terminal Building, KLIA Terminal 1. Operated by Eraman Malaysia, the mall offers an extensive selection of chocolates, cosmetics, perfumes and spirits, highlights include South-East Asia's first Charlotte Tilbury airport store, alongside enhancements like self-checkout kiosks and upcoming RFID technology. Meanwhile, the Eraman Duty-Free Emporium at KLIA Terminal 2 is set for completion by November, further driving innovation in travel retail. Beauty retail remains a key focus, with Dimensi Eksklusif expanding its Dimensi Beauty store at KLIA Terminal 1, now featuring luxury brands like Helena Rubinstein, Maison Margiela and the exclusive Prada Beauty. A taste of Malaysia KLIA's dining scene blends 40% local flavours with 60% international cuisines, driving a 40% increase in food and beverage sales compared to 2019. Eateries like Petit Cafe Chef Wan, Jibby Chow and Serai offer authentic culinary experiences that leave a lasting impression. As Malaysia Airports Holding Bhd commercial services senior general manager Hani Ezra Hussin puts it, 'An authentic culinary experience gives travellers a memory worth cherishing and sharing. 'Striking the right balance between the local authentic and international familiarity makes airport dining a memorable part of the journey.' Celebrating Malaysian craftsmanship The Sense of Malaysia stores showcase the country's rich cultural heritage. These stores feature artisanal crafts, traditional delicacies and fashion items from over 30 local brands, including Borneo Pearls, Kapten Batik and Royal Selangor. This focus on storytelling through local arts and craft has boosted souvenir sales by 40%, creating meaningful connections between travellers and Malaysia's heritage. 'The cultural story behind products drives engagement, proving how powerful storytelling is in shaping consumer choices,' Hani noted. Airport lounges have also become sanctuaries of comfort, significantly enhancing passenger satisfaction. Offering amenities like virtual reality games, spas and transit hotels, lounges contribute 61% of KLIA's Services segment's revenue, ensuring travellers are well-rested and refreshed. Redefining airport retail excellence As KLIA prepares to welcome the world for Visit Malaysia Year 2026, it continues to raise the bar in passenger experience, retail innovation and cultural storytelling. Through enhanced facilities, immersive shopping experiences and a strong emphasis on showcasing Malaysia's rich heritage, KLIA is positioning itself as more than just an airport—it is a dynamic gateway that reflects the nation's vibrant culture, diversity and hospitality.
The Star
09-05-2025
- The Star
Quiet farewell for beloved duo
PETALING JAYA: After 11 unforgettable years in Malaysia, beloved giant pandas Fu Wa and Feng Yi will bid us farewell on May 18 when they return to China. According to an itinerary from the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry, the pair will leave Zoo Negara at 6.30am and head to the Animal Hotel at KL International Airport. The ministry's secretary-general, Datuk Dr Ching Thoo Kim, and Wildlife and National Parks Department director-general Datuk Abdul Kadir Abu Hashim will be attending the send-off ceremony. The ceremony is expected to conclude at around 11am, after which Fu Wa and Feng Yi will depart for their homeland, marking the end of their Malaysian chapter and the start of a peaceful retirement in China. Their departure has left many local giant panda enthusiasts heartbroken. Zoo Negara has confirmed that there will be no public farewell event. Currently, visitors can only see the pandas through a glass viewing area in their indoor enclosure and say their quiet goodbyes. On April 19, the ministry officially announced that Fu Wa and Feng Yi had been placed in isolation for a month in preparation for their return. The abrupt move, without prior notice, left many fans frustrated, as they were unable to properly bid farewell to the beloved duo. Fu Wa and Feng Yi first arrived in Malaysia on May 21, 2014, under China's giant panda loan programme, a diplomatic gesture celebrating the 40th anniversary of Malaysia-China relations. Upon their arrival, they were given new names: Fu Wa became Xing Xing (prosperity) and Feng Yi became Liang Liang (pretty). Not many predicted that the pair of giant pandas would become so popular with visitors, both local and foreign. In their first year alone, Zoo Negara's visitor numbers surged by 60%, with over 1.2 million people coming to watch the gentle giants munch bamboo shoots or playfully tumble in their enclosure. They quickly became social media sensations, winning hearts both locally and abroad. 'The pandas have drawn visitors from all over, especially from China, India, Indonesia and the Middle East,' Zoo Negara deputy president Datuk Rosly @ Rahmat Ahmat Lana said previously. During their stay, the pair made history by producing three cubs: Nuan Nuan (born Aug 18, 2015), Yi Yi (Jan 14, 2018) and Sheng Yi (May 31, 2021). Remarkably, Sheng Yi's birthday coincides with the anniversary of Malaysia-China diplomatic relations. As Malaysia bids farewell to Xing Xing and Liang Liang, the country is preparing to welcome a new panda pair under a renewed 10-year conservation agreement. Signed on April 16 during Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit, the agreement will see Malaysia host another pair of giant pandas from 2025 to 2035, continuing its collaboration with China on panda conservation efforts.
The Star
03-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Stalled Mex II project to be reassessed, says Works Minister
BUKIT KAYU HITAM - The extension project of the Maju Expressway (Mex II), which connects Putrajaya to KL International Airport (KLIA) is facing challenges, but efforts are actively underway by various parties to ensure its continuation, says Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi. The Works Minister acknowledged that the project had encountered several challenges, but said the government was not remaining idle and was committed to finding a solution. He added that the government is working closely with all stakeholders to resolve the prolonged delays of the stalled project. "As is well known, the Mex II project is facing completion issues. However, the good news is that all parties involved, including the Finance Ministry, Works Ministry, and the Public Works Department (JKR), are working to resolve this matter," he said at a press conference after a working visit to the Immigration, Customs, Quarantine, and Security (ICQS) Complex in Bukit Kayu Hitam on Saturday (May 3). The 18km Mex II Highway project began construction in 2016 and was scheduled for completion in December 2019 but was halted due to financial issues and is now under investigation by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC). "The project developer is also working to secure new financing to resume construction. "Currently, the matter is still in the resolution phase, so I do not wish to comment in detail yet," he added. He further mentioned that several important meetings are expected to take place soon, chaired by the Works Ministry's deputy secretary-general. "These meetings are expected to determine the next steps, and we will observe developments afterwards," he said. The 18km extension project of the Maju Expressway has come under scrutiny following the MACC investigation into allegations of false claims involving RM360mil. The media had previously reported that four individuals, including a Datuk Seri, were detained concerning the investigation of the project, believed to be linked to funds obtained through the issuance of sukuk for the project.
