KLIA Terminal Integration Plan To Be Expedited - Loke

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 27 (Bernama) -- The integration plan for Terminals 1 and 2 at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) will be expedited to ensure seamless connectivity for passengers and baggage between the terminals, said Transport Minister Anthony Loke.

He said the plan includes, among other elements, the provision of accessibility amenities such as an airside bus service for passengers and baggage, which Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) will implement.

Loke called on airlines to cooperate in implementing the plan.

“We want these airlines not to focus solely on competition. We are not looking at a zero-sum game, but rather at the national interest, on how to strengthen Malaysia’s position as a key regional aviation hub.

“I hope this can be achieved next year, as our requests do not require significant additional infrastructure, but rather system enhancements without large-scale construction,” he said at a press conference after chairing the National Aviation Consultative Council (NACC) meeting today.

Loke said the plan may also involve immigration and customs procedures, which will be discussed first, with details expected to be revealed within six to nine months.

Loke also stressed that the Transport Ministry (MOT) fully supports the integration as part of MAHB’s development and management strategy, refuting suggestions of political motivation.

“I want to clarify and emphasise here that there is no issue of political will. We are all supportive. As far as MOT is concerned, we fully back the idea of integrating Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. In fact, I have been pushing for it…for some time,” he said.

Loke said the meeting also agreed on other follow-up actions to resolve several issues, including a review of the Green Lane implementation to ease congestion at the Royal Malaysian Customs Department checks at both terminals.

He added that the meeting also discussed improvements in airport slot management by the National Slot Coordination Malaysia (NSCM), as well as the establishment of a task force for the Baggage Handling System Replacement Project to monitor the project’s progress with regular reporting to MOT.

-- BERNAMA