KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) has been asked to explore ways to ensure goods and food sold at airports are priced reasonably, says Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing.
He added his ministry had received complaints from the public over the steep prices of items such as chocolates, food and alcohol at the airport shops compared to the prices outside.
“Visitors at the airport have mentioned that items sold at duty-free shops are expensive and that it is cheaper to buy from outside.
“This issue can impact the retail business here in the airport. Even food prices are high at the airport. This can be a burden for large families travelling in groups.
“I have spoken to several shop operators, and they have said that a review of rental rates and related costs could help them to lower food prices. This matter should be further discussed at the management level.
“Outlet operators don’t have to depend only on high prices to make money. Instead, they could lower prices a little and sell more items.
“Even with smaller profit per item, the higher sales volume could still give them good overall profit,” he told a press conference at the launch of ShopLAH at Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 1 yesterday.
Tiong also expressed hope that MAHB would provide more shoplots offering local food in conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2026 to better promote Malaysian cuisine to both foreign and domestic tourists.
“It is important for Malaysia Airports to promote local food offerings, including those from various regions and states, as food remains one of the main attractions for travellers,” he added.
Tiong said visitors to the country get a first impression of Malaysia at its airports.
As such, it is important that matters like cleanliness are maintained, he pointed out.
ShopLAH is a new retail campaign aimed at transforming airport visits into experiences that go beyond transit.
As part of the campaign, MAHB is introducing the Tourist Privilege Card, a digital rewards programme that offers travellers access to exclusive discounts, special treats and limited-edition duty-free bags at participating outlets across Malaysian airports.
The card will be rolled out to the public in March and will be accessible through the MYAirports app.
