Kuala lumpur: Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) announced that reforms following its privatisation last year have enhanced operational efficiency, quickened infrastructure planning, and improved decision-making processes across its airport network.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the reforms include a proof-of-concept (POC) approach, which ensures investments are feasible, and improvements aimed at seamless passenger movement.
MAHB's Managing Director, Datuk Mohd Izani Ghani, explained the company's disciplined approach to evaluating airport projects, focusing on operational effectiveness, passenger flow management, and long-term value creation. Key reforms include introducing a POC approach before large-scale investments and a 'tollgate process' to challenge projects and maximize outcomes. After nearly a year of implementation, the team is adapting well to these new processes.
Privatisation of MAHB was completed in February 2025 by a consortium led by Khazanah Nasional Bhd and Employees Provident Fund through Gateway Development Alliance Sdn Bhd. The changes have led to better passenger movement and operational efficiency at KL International Airport (KLIA), with Terminal 1 handling 33 million passengers last year, surpassing its design capacity of 30 million. Process enhancements at boarding gates and screening areas have eased congestion, improving travel experiences.
MAHB is optimizing capacity across KLIA's terminals to boost efficiency without new infrastructure development. Terminal 2, with significant expansion room, is being promoted to handle more passenger traffic, counteracting perceptions of it being a lower-tier terminal compared to Terminal 1. Beyond KLIA, MAHB is pursuing a multi-airport hub strategy to maximize utilization across its nationwide network, with expansion works underway at Penang International Airport to address congestion.
In addition to infrastructure improvements, MAHB is accelerating renewable energy initiatives to support net-zero targets. A large-scale solar project near KLIA will generate 30 megawatts of electricity, with completion expected in 18 months. Plans for rooftop solar installations at regional airports are also underway.
The KLIA Aerotrain system, previously facing operational disruptions, is under careful review. Extensive improvements and technical assessments are ongoing, involving contractor Alstom and regulators. MAHB aims to ensure reliability before resuming 24-hour operations, with consultations ongoing with the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) and the Ministry of Transport.
MAHB manages 39 airports across Malaysia, including five international airports, and one in Istanbul, Trkiye. The company is deploying additional personnel to manage passenger movement and reduce operational interruptions, while also educating the public on automated train operations.