SEPANG: Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1 has undergone a RM30mil upgrade in the first half of the year, unveiling 14 new initiatives designed to offer passengers a smarter, faster and more welcoming travel experience.
These enhancements come at a strategic time, as Malaysia prepares to host the 47th Asean Summit in October and intensifies efforts for Visit Malaysia 2026.
Abd Hasman Abd Muhimim, general manager of operations for KLIA Terminal 1, said the upgrades reflect Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd’s (MAHB) ongoing commitment to position KLIA as a world-class, efficient and inclusive international hub.
“As of the first half of 2025, KLIA has recorded 30.1 million passengers, marking a 9.9% increase compared to the same period last year.
“Our aim is to reduce queuing times and improve operational efficiency at every touchpoint. We continuously assess current needs and will expand facilities wherever necessary to ensure KLIA delivers the best possible service,” he told reporters at KLIA yesterday.
Among the key enhancements is the deployment of paramedics on e-scooters for emergency response. The scooters, stationed at key areas in the main and satellite terminals, are equipped with oxygen tanks, trauma kits and automated external defibrillators (AEDs).
“Well-trained paramedics can now arrive at the scene within three minutes to handle a range of emergencies, from cardiac arrests to minor injuries. This significantly reduces response times and improves overall passenger safety,” said Abd Hasman.
Additionally, 36 family-friendly parking bays have been introduced, converted from 54 standard bays and located on various levels of the short-term car park.
Abd Hasman explained that this move came in response to the increasing number of families travelling through KLIA, prompting the airport to provide more tailored and convenient facilities.
To support mobility and accessibility, MAHB is also rolling out 100 new wheelchairs, with 50 already available free of charge at key locations throughout the terminal, including the main terminal building and satellite concourses.
Abd Hasman said 80 washrooms have been upgraded with wider entrances, sensor taps, grab bars and floor-level emergency call buttons. Passenger convenience has been further enhanced by replacing 5,000 outdated baggage trolleys with lighter, more stable models featuring strap-free handles and built-in brakes.
Passenger processing has seen significant upgrades as well. A mobile bag-drop system has been introduced on a trial basis, enabling the processing of 10 times more luggage than traditional counters.
At the domestic security checkpoint, enhanced tray lanes and unpack/repack zones have doubled screening capacity to 1,500 passengers per hour, reducing wait times to under five minutes.
Self-service capabilities have also been expanded, with nine automated boarding pass scanners now operational at international airside entry points – up from just six manual lanes previously – offering faster, more contactless processing.
To facilitate smoother departures for passengers requiring assistance, two additional immigration priority counters have been added. These serve families with young children, the elderly, expectant mothers and passengers with reduced mobility. Clearer signage has been introduced to ensure these counters are easily located.
Beyond functional improvements, the upgrades also enhance the overall ambience of the terminal. New heritage-themed wall installations celebrate Malaysian culture and identity, creating visually engaging public spaces.
Wayfinding at Aerotrain stations has been improved to help passengers navigate easily, while the Kids Zone at Gate C30 has been revitalised with an orangutan-themed playground to provide an interactive and fun space for children.
