Latest news with #SEPANG
Malay Mail
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Malay Mail
MAHB launches upgraded Airport FastTrack service at KLIA
SEPANG, July 22 — Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) today launched the upgraded Airport FastTrack (AFT) service at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), reinforcing its commitment to delivering seamless, efficient, and premium services to travellers. MAHB managing director Datuk Mohd Izani Ghani said the initiative aligns with its broader strategy to position KLIA as a leading global aviation hub with world-class facilities and services. 'Our upgraded AFT service now offers a holistic meet-and-greet experience, ensuring passengers receive personalised assistance from the moment they arrive. 'From curbside reception to expedited immigration clearance and baggage assistance, every touchpoint has been meticulously designed to deliver comfort and efficiency,' he said in his speech at the launch of AFT Evolution here today. Mohd Izani said the airport has also provided a guest centre and AFT@Connect at Departure Level 5 for the convenience and satisfaction of passengers. In line with its digitalisation efforts, he said the company has launched a new website— provide detailed information on its services and enable easy bookings. 'This platform reflects our drive to leverage technology in enhancing service delivery and passenger convenience, with an integrated payment gateway ensuring a smooth and secure experience for all users,' he said. During the event, Mohd Izani also introduced the company's new brand ambassador, Sofia Zara Mustaffa Kamal, Malaysia's youngest female race car driver, who is just 15 years old. Sofia, recognised in the Malaysia Book of Records, is currently competing in the 2025 F1 Academy circuit, an elite junior series for female single-seater racing talent. 'Sofia's determination, skill, and passion for excellence truly embody the essence of 'fast', which is why she is the perfect face for our Airport FastTrack service,' he said. AFT KLIA, which is operated by KL Airport Hotels Sdn Bhd, a wholly owned subsidiary of MAHB, was introduced as a premium service to redefine the airport experience for travellers. Designed to provide seamless, swift, and personalised facilitation, AFT ensures passengers enjoy priority immigration clearance, dedicated meet-and-greet assistance, and smooth transfers within the terminal, reflecting KLIA's commitment to service excellence. — Bernama
Malay Mail
5 days ago
- Malay Mail
Malaysia's autogates for foreign visitors 'fully recovered' at KLIA, JB checkpoints
SEPANG, July 20 — The autogate system for foreign visitors at all entry points nationwide has been fully restored, the Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) said today. AKPS director-general Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain confirmed this in a press conference here at Terminal 1, Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). MORE TO COME
Malay Mail
7 days ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
MAHB eyes 62 million passengers in 2025, set to match pre-Covid highs
SEPANG, July 18 — Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) is optimistic of achieving its target of 62 million passenger movements by year-end, a milestone that would mark its return to pre-pandemic levels. Group managing director Datuk Mohd Izani Ghani said the positive trajectory is being driven by a series of strategic upgrades and service transformations across its network, particularly at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1. 'This year is about re-establishing our strength. Passenger movement numbers are moving in the right direction. Looking at the trend, 62 million by year-end is very achievable,' he told reporters during a media briefing on MAHB's strategic direction here today. Since taking the helm in August last year, Mohd Izani said the company has pivoted towards a more agile, responsive and customer-focused model, shedding old bureaucratic ways in favour of speed and service excellence. 'I told my team we cannot run an airport at the pace we used to. This is a customer-facing business. Passengers expect quick responses and smooth experiences, so that's what we are focusing on,' he said. He added that MAHB's transformation is anchored on three pillars: service excellence, growth, and capacity enhancement under the group's refreshed airport strategy, and the KLIA ecosystem is at the centre of this repositioning plan to build a connected and efficient hub. Collaboration and momentum behind the numbers MAHB has already completed 14 facility upgrades in the first half of the year (1H2025) at KLIA Terminal 1, involving improved passenger clearance lanes and check-in zones. These efforts, costing about RM30 million, have increased throughput by 40 per cent. 'These are the low-hanging fruits, done with support from our experienced partners, including Global Infrastructure Partners. They helped us fine-tune operations, such as shortening clearance times and optimising passenger flows,' he said. When asked about capital expenditure for 2H2025, Mohd Izani replied that the company is still finalising the figures. On MAHB's regional competitiveness, he said the group is focused on building strength in the regional travel segment rather than competing head-on with larger hubs like Changi or Suvarnabhumi. 'We do not need to fight head-on. We focus on our niche. Many regional carriers are already operating out of Malaysia and we can build on that. We provide the customer flow and the experience, and the connectivity will follow,' he said. He noted that collaboration between airports and airlines has improved in recent months, which bodes well for long-term route development. Asked on whether MAHB faces restrictions when engaging foreign carriers due to commitments to the national carrier, Mohd Izani said the airport operator maintains a performance-driven approach. 'We support our national airline as best we can. At the same time, we do not restrict others from coming in. Everyone has to perform. It's a level playing field,' he said. Mohd Izani said MAHB is currently exploring the feasibility of enabling seamless passenger transfers between KLIA Terminals 1 and 2. Proof-of-concept trials are underway, including evaluating shuttle routes and baggage transfer processes. 'We are testing how many minutes it takes to move passengers between terminals, including baggage transfers. Once that is sorted, and if airlines are aligned, it can happen,' he said, adding that the Ministry of Transport is supportive of the initiative. Commenting on the recent brief disruption to the newly resumed aerotrain service at KLIA due to rainwater accumulation, Mohd Izani said the issue was promptly resolved by replacing the faulty pump and improving the drainage system. 'We've been assured by our engineering team that it is under control now. The improvements have addressed the root cause,' he said. Visit Malaysia Year 2026 and beyond In preparation for Visit Malaysia Year 2026 and the Asian Games in 2027, MAHB is curating new passenger experiences. Among them is Project Rimba, a revitalised indoor forest with thematic features including improved lighting, waterfalls and seasonal floral showcases. 'We want to give passengers something to look forward to. This is part of our commitment to continuous improvement,' he said. MAHB, now privately held by Khazanah Nasional via UEM, the Employees Provident Fund and Global Infrastructure Partners with Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, continues to hold its golden share under the Ministry of Finance. Mohd Izani said the privatisation has helped expedite decision-making, with a supportive board comprising seven shareholder representatives and four government-appointed members. 'The transformation journey is only just beginning. We are putting the right team, the right partnerships, and the right pace to bring Malaysia Airports to the next level,' he said. — Bernama
Malay Mail
7 days ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
MAHB targets mid-2028 finish for RM1.55b Penang Airport upgrade
SEPANG, July 18 — Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) aims to complete the Penang International Airport (PIA) expansion project by June 2028, with several phases of work already underway, said group managing director Datuk Mohd Izani Ghani. The expansion project, estimated to cost approximately RM1.55 billion, is designed to address long-term capacity constraints and enhance the passenger experience at one of Malaysia's busiest regional airports. Upon completion, the airport's handling capacity is expected to increase from the current 6.5 million passengers per year to 12 million. The project is being carried out in three phases, he said, with the first phase involving infrastructure works, including the relocation of government agency offices such as the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia and the Malaysian Meteorological Department, which are currently situated within the airport compound. Mohd Izani said work on Phase One has already commenced, while Phase Two, focused on apron expansion, is also progressing, and Phase Three, involving the main terminal expansion, is in the final design stage, with board approval and contractor appointment targeted by year-end. 'The target completion date remains June 2028, and we are committed to meeting that timeline,' Mohd Izani told reporters during a media briefing on MAHB's strategic direction here today. Mohd Izani, who was appointed to the role in August last year, also confirmed that the government has approved the expansion of Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA), which is nearing its maximum capacity of nine million passengers annually. MAHB is currently finalising the development plan to expand KKIA's capacity to 12 million passengers and aims to appoint a contractor by year-end. Other tier two airports in the MAHB network are also set for upgrades. These include Tawau, Miri and Kota Bharu. The Tawau and Miri projects will be financed through allocations in the federal development budget. In Kota Bharu, Phase One of the upgrade was completed in August last year and is already operational, while Phase two is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2026. Commenting on the Sarawak government's proposal to develop a new international airport to replace the existing Kuching International Airport, Mohd Izani said the matter is still under discussion between the federal and state governments. Under MAHB's operating agreement with the federal government, the company has the first right of refusal to manage any new airport developments. 'We are aware of the state's intention and have been approached for technical assistance. However, any decision on operations will depend on the outcome of the federal-state dialogue,' he said. He noted that Kuching International Airport is not yet fully congested, and questions remain regarding the economic viability of operating two airports in the same city. Regarding Langkawi International Airport, Mohd Izani said recent upgrades have included enhancements to the VIP lounge, noting that he airport has won the award for Best Airport under the five million passengers category for four consecutive years. He said Langkawi's tourism potential remains underutilised, especially in terms of attracting international carriers. 'Langkawi is on par with destinations like Bali and Phuket, but air connectivity remains limited. We need a more collaborative marketing push involving MAHB, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, and state tourism agencies,' he said. On Subang Airport, Mohd Izani said the terminal expansion, completed last year at RM22 million, has increased its capacity to three million passengers annually, although jet operations remain limited to 15 movements per day as stipulated by the government. With AirAsia relocating its jet operations to KLIA Terminal 2 and Firefly reportedly planning to end jet operations in Subang, MAHB is reviewing the available slots in consultation with the Ministry of Transport. 'Priority will be given to local carriers, but discussions are ongoing on the possibility of offering the slots to foreign airlines,' he said. — Bernama
Malay Mail
17-07-2025
- Business
- 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
