SEPANG: KL International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1 will undergo drastic changes in the next three years that would include upgrading the aerotrain and baggage handling systems, says Transport Minister Anthony Loke.
He said these efforts are expected to restore KLIA Terminal 1’s position as one of the best airports in the world – it is currently ranked 67th compared with 62nd in 2022.
KLIA Terminal 1’s best-ever ranking was second in 2001, before slipping to 14th in 2013 and 44th in 2018.
“We see the position deteriorating, which is a concern because of the loss of attractiveness at KLIA Terminal 1.
“We need to restore the position of KLIA Terminal 1 because it is an important airport for the country and symbolises the image of the country,” Loke told reporters after launching the CapsuleTransit accommodation at KLIA Terminal 1 yesterday.
Loke was quoted by Bernama as saying that the quality of service as well as the ecosystem, including being friendly to the retail sector to invest in various facilities and services, need to move in tandem to make KLIA Terminal 1 great again.
Improvements in the pipeline: KLIA Terminal 1’s facelift includes upgrading the aerotrain and baggage handling systems. — Bernama
He also said the redevelopment of the 58-year-old Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah (SAAS) Airport in Subang will not see it replacing KLIA Terminal 1 as the country’s main airport.
“The redevelopment of SAAS will not cannibalise KLIA Terminal 1 in any way,” he said, adding that SAAS will be a city airport catering to a niche market.
Earlier in Putrajaya, the minister said measures were being mulled to clear the backlog for driving tests, which is estimated to now number several hundred applications.
Loke said his ministry and the Road Transport Department (JPJ) had been ordered to see how the process can be sped up.
“The backlog is due to the Covid-19 pandemic – usually, JPJ would receive around 600,000 applications a year for driving tests,” he said after opening the Malaysian Driving Institutes’ annual general meeting.
“We want to shorten the waiting time. JPJ has been asked to list down measures to reduce the waiting time and once they have been decided, I will announce it,” he added.
The minister also delivered good news to driving institutes that vehicles used to teach and test learners could now be used up to 10 years from the current seven years.
