SUBANG: The Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport here is ready to welcome tourists with upgraded facilities for a more seamless travel experience in conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026).
Senior airport manager Ahmad Fikri Samsudin said after Batik Air added more jets, their daily passenger movements have increased to 7,000 from 4,000, but they are anticipating more with VM2026.
He said Batik currently has 15 jets and 25 turboprop flights from Subang daily.
“In terms of preparation we have upgraded our check-in counters, departures, immigration counters as well the ambiance and cleanliness of toilets.
“Subang has always been the choice for business travellers due to its location near to Kuala Lumpur, fast clearance, and simple terminal.
“We offer several international destinations to Bangkok, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Jakarta as well as all the domestic airports,” he said, adding that the airport complements the KL International Airport.
Ahmad Fikri said this after accompanying Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry deputy secretary-general (management) Surendran Sathasivam and Tourism Malaysia deputy director-general (promotion II) Lee Thai Hung to welcome the first groups of travellers arriving at the Skypark Terminal of the airport.
The travellers were greeted with vibrant Malaysian cultural performances and contemporary showcases infused with heritage elements, alongside appearances by the official mascots, Wira and Manja.
Also present were Tourism Selangor chief executive officer Chua Yee Ling, Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) chief executive officer Tan Mei Phing, the ministry information management division secretary Hasfadilailanorita Ibrahim, and Syaiful Nazri Ghazali from the Islamic Tourism Centre.
It is part of Tourism Malaysia’s nationwide celebration across major international gateways and transportation hubs to welcome international visitors to Malaysia, marking the official launch of the VM2026 campaign.
The nationwide welcome celebrations were made possible through close collaboration with state governments, airlines, airport authorities, tourism industry players, and strategic partners.
These contributions ranging from vouchers, food and beverage products to souvenirs and attraction discounts, enhanced the arrival experience for travellers while showcasing Malaysia’s warmth, harmony, diversity and vibrant tourism offerings.
This synchronised celebration across airports, border checkpoints and key transportation terminals serves as a powerful symbol of Malaysia’s readiness to welcome the world.
Document controller Vivian Lim Bee Em, 58 from Singapore was pleasantly surprised with the warm welcome at Subang.
“I am here to visit my friend for the new year weekend. I hope this year will be great for all because the past few years have been quite stressful.
“I am planning to travel to nearby countries like this short trip to Kuala Lumpur,” she said.
Ho Wei Sim, 57, also flew in from Singapore to visit her aunt and relatives.
The psychotherapist, who is originally from Klang, is travelling with her daughter for a weekend trip to the city.
She was thoroughly happy with the Malaysian hospitality and welcome as soon as they landed.
“I have been living in Ireland for the past 25 years. So, now I am back for a visit to Singapore and Malaysia.
“For the next three days, I plan to bring my daughter to Petaling Street and other places in the city,” she said.
Scientist Ciara Blake, 24, who is accompanying her mother, is excited to be back in Malaysia after seven years.
“It has been a while, and I am happy to be able to come back when I can, which is not often.
“The welcoming entourage felt warm and nice with everybody being so friendly.
“The best thing in Malaysia is definitely the food, especially at the hawker centres and I want to enjoy everything before I go back,” she said.
