Kuala lumpur: Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) has implemented 16 facility improvement initiatives at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 2 (T2) to enhance passenger flow, comfort, and operational efficiency in preparation for Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026), said KLIA T2 general manager (Operations) Shahrunnizam Abd Jamil. Shahrunnizam highlighted that the upgrades focus on key passenger processes such as check-in, boarding, and baggage handling to accommodate rising traffic, particularly during peak and festive periods.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the improvements near the check-in counters include the introduction of Self Service Bag Drop (SSBD) facilities and additional bag check-in points to ensure seamless passenger flow and reduce queuing times. During a media walkabout showcasing the terminal’s latest upgrades and services, Shahrunnizam mentioned that MAHB reviewed passenger movement in departure and arrival areas to ensure facilities can handle higher capacity while maintaining safety and security.
Guided by passenger feedback and data analysis, including comments from social media, the upgrades align with MAHB’s customer-focused approach. ‘For example, we have upgraded our toilets to five-star standards and improved our prayer rooms so passengers can pray comfortably. The ambience is now much better, and all facilities are available for transit passengers,’ Shahrunnizam noted. Additional improvements include newly designed luggage trolleys for enhanced safety on inclined areas like escalators, as well as more wheelchairs and children’s strollers to assist families, the elderly, and passengers with special needs.
The introduction of a Movie Lounge at T2 aims to provide comfort and basic entertainment for passengers with longer transit times. To support VM2026, MAHB is collaborating with Tourism Malaysia and the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) to promote local culture and tourism products within the terminal, featuring space for cultural showcases, tourism promotions, and performances for arriving passengers.
External improvements include landscaping works and the installation of ‘Welcome to Malaysia’ signage at major access points. Regarding MAHB’s privatisation, Shahrunnizam stated that it has enabled faster operational decision-making, facilitating quicker implementation of upgrades. Addressing public perception of KLIA2 as a ‘low-cost terminal,’ he clarified, ‘T2 is not a low-cost airport. It is operated by low-cost carriers, but the infrastructure and service standards meet international levels.’
Passenger feedback on the upgrades has been positive, particularly concerning improvements to food and beverage outlets, self-service bag drop facilities, wayfinding, and customer service deployment. ‘The improvement works took approximately one year to complete. The total cost of the upgrades will be disclosed at a later date,’ Shahrunnizam added.