Malaysian airports improve safety measures amid Covid-19 spike


New thermal scanners will be installed at more airports in the country to curb Covid-19. - AZHAR MAHFOF/The Star
Malaysian airports have stepped up safety measures to ensure a safe airport experience amid a spike in Covid-19 cases.

A total of 23 new thermal scanners and 600 units of sneeze guards will be installed by Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) at 19 airports nationwide.

MAHB group chief executive officer Datuk Mohd Shukrie Mohd Salleh said the airport operator will continue to work closely with the relevant ministries and agencies to curb the spread of Covid-19.

"Since the onset of the pandemic, we have not stopped exploring means and ways to help mitigate the risks of Covid-19, ” he said.

Shukrie added that MAHB usually pilots the latest technology solutions at KL International Airport (KLIA) before rolling them out at other airports.

This practice, according to Shukrie, is because KLIA "serves the majority of our passengers”.

Thus far, 12 airports besides KLIA have completed the new installations.

They are Penang International Airport, Langkawi International Airport, Kuching International Airport, Kota Kinabalu International Airport, Subang Airport, Terengganu Airport, Tawau Airport, Labuan Airport, Alor Setar Airport, Sandakan Airport, Kota Baru Airport and Miri Airport.

The installations at the remaining airports are scheduled to be completed by end October.

"It is crucial that while we cater to the new normal in air travel, we continue to provide seamless airport experiences to our passengers," said Shukrie.

Recently, three international airlines – British Airways, Oman Air and Ethiopian Airlines – have resumed operations at KLIA.

Before the country introduced the conditional movement control order in certain areas earlier this month, airports have reported gradual monthly increases in both passenger and traffic movements.

In September, passenger traffic movements rose by 19% from August to 1.7 million, while aircraft movements increased by 9.8% to 27,010.

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Malaysia , airports , KLIA , safety measures , Covid-19

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