
MAHB eyes 62 million passengers in 2025, set to match pre-Covid highs
Group managing director Datuk Mohd Izani Ghani said the positive trajectory is being driven by a series of strategic upgrades and service transformations across its network, particularly at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1.
'This year is about re-establishing our strength. Passenger movement numbers are moving in the right direction. Looking at the trend, 62 million by year-end is very achievable,' he told reporters during a media briefing on MAHB's strategic direction here today.
Since taking the helm in August last year, Mohd Izani said the company has pivoted towards a more agile, responsive and customer-focused model, shedding old bureaucratic ways in favour of speed and service excellence.
'I told my team we cannot run an airport at the pace we used to. This is a customer-facing business. Passengers expect quick responses and smooth experiences, so that's what we are focusing on,' he said.
He added that MAHB's transformation is anchored on three pillars: service excellence, growth, and capacity enhancement under the group's refreshed airport strategy, and the KLIA ecosystem is at the centre of this repositioning plan to build a connected and efficient hub.
Collaboration and momentum behind the numbers
MAHB has already completed 14 facility upgrades in the first half of the year (1H2025) at KLIA Terminal 1, involving improved passenger clearance lanes and check-in zones. These efforts, costing about RM30 million, have increased throughput by 40 per cent.
'These are the low-hanging fruits, done with support from our experienced partners, including Global Infrastructure Partners. They helped us fine-tune operations, such as shortening clearance times and optimising passenger flows,' he said.
When asked about capital expenditure for 2H2025, Mohd Izani replied that the company is still finalising the figures.
On MAHB's regional competitiveness, he said the group is focused on building strength in the regional travel segment rather than competing head-on with larger hubs like Changi or Suvarnabhumi.
'We do not need to fight head-on. We focus on our niche. Many regional carriers are already operating out of Malaysia and we can build on that. We provide the customer flow and the experience, and the connectivity will follow,' he said.
He noted that collaboration between airports and airlines has improved in recent months, which bodes well for long-term route development.
Asked on whether MAHB faces restrictions when engaging foreign carriers due to commitments to the national carrier, Mohd Izani said the airport operator maintains a performance-driven approach.
'We support our national airline as best we can. At the same time, we do not restrict others from coming in. Everyone has to perform. It's a level playing field,' he said.
Mohd Izani said MAHB is currently exploring the feasibility of enabling seamless passenger transfers between KLIA Terminals 1 and 2.
Proof-of-concept trials are underway, including evaluating shuttle routes and baggage transfer processes.
'We are testing how many minutes it takes to move passengers between terminals, including baggage transfers. Once that is sorted, and if airlines are aligned, it can happen,' he said, adding that the Ministry of Transport is supportive of the initiative.
Commenting on the recent brief disruption to the newly resumed aerotrain service at KLIA due to rainwater accumulation, Mohd Izani said the issue was promptly resolved by replacing the faulty pump and improving the drainage system.
'We've been assured by our engineering team that it is under control now. The improvements have addressed the root cause,' he said.
Visit Malaysia Year 2026 and beyond
In preparation for Visit Malaysia Year 2026 and the Asian Games in 2027, MAHB is curating new passenger experiences.
Among them is Project Rimba, a revitalised indoor forest with thematic features including improved lighting, waterfalls and seasonal floral showcases.
'We want to give passengers something to look forward to. This is part of our commitment to continuous improvement,' he said.
MAHB, now privately held by Khazanah Nasional via UEM, the Employees Provident Fund and Global Infrastructure Partners with Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, continues to hold its golden share under the Ministry of Finance.
Mohd Izani said the privatisation has helped expedite decision-making, with a supportive board comprising seven shareholder representatives and four government-appointed members.
'The transformation journey is only just beginning. We are putting the right team, the right partnerships, and the right pace to bring Malaysia Airports to the next level,' he said. — Bernama
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Free Malaysia Today
11 hours ago
- Free Malaysia Today
KDM to field ex-Sabah Treasury official in Sabah polls
Former Sabah Treasury official Rusdin Riman is reportedly the deputy chairman of Progressive Insurance Berhad, a general insurance firm in which the Sabah government is the majority shareholder. (Website pic) PETALING JAYA : A former top official at the Sabah Treasury will contest in the upcoming state election representing Parti Kesejahteraan Demokratik Masyarakat (KDM). KDM deputy president Wetrom Bahanda said former Sabah Treasury permanent secretary Rusdin Riman will be fielded by the party in the Paginatan seat, the Borneo Post reported. 'Although (Rusdin) could not be with us today, his supporters are present and he has contacted me personally. 'Rusdin will be joining our fight for Paginatan,' Wetrom was quoted as saying. Rusdin is reportedly the deputy chairman of Progressive Insurance Berhad, a general insurance firm in which the Sabah government is the majority shareholder. The Paginatan seat is currently held by Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR) vice-president Abidin Madingkir, who is also an aide to chief minister Hajiji Noor. Abidin won the seat with a majority of 1,323 votes in a nine-cornered contest in the 2020 state polls. At the time, STAR had gone up against Umno, Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS), Upko, Parti Cinta Sabah (PCS), Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), United Sabah National Organisation (Usno) and Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah. STAR and PBS have signed a pact for the upcoming state polls to avoid seat clashes, while the two parties are also part of the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah coalition along with Gagasan Rakyat, LDP, Usno and PCS.


Free Malaysia Today
11 hours ago
- Free Malaysia Today
‘RM5 a meal' eatery among 7 Rafizi plans for social change
Former economy minister Rafizi Ramli said he and his team have already found the necessary partners and assets for the social enterprises to start. (Facebook pic) KUALA LUMPUR : Former PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli has launched seven social enterprises under his 'Ayuh Malaysia' platform, including an eatery in Pandan Indah selling food at under RM5 a meal. The Pandan MP said the seven enterprises will commence operations in September, adding that he and his team have already found the necessary partners and assets for the initiatives to start. Besides the 'Kesum' eatery selling breakfast, lunch and dinner for under RM5, there will also be a sundry shop named 'FlexiMart' using the 'refill' concept. This concept involves the sale of goods without single-use packaging, with customers buying what they need by 'refilling' their own containers instead. 'We will also try to offer the installation of solar panels on roofs for low-income families, through the 'Suria' social enterprise in Petaling Jaya,' he said at the launch. Rafizi will also introduce a 'SagaSivik' civic education programme in Setiawangsa and a training initiative dubbed 'CLIB' in Ampang to prepare youths and undergraduates for the job market. Another initiative is called 'PinjamGajet'. It is based in Selayang and offers youths training on repairing laptops and smartphones, while the gadgets are then rented out to low-income households for as low as RM10 a year. The former economy minister will also introduce the 'TanamDuit' social enterprise in Rembau, Negeri Sembilan, which seeks to encourage modern agriculture on abandoned land. Rafizi previously said these social enterprises were another way of bringing change to society and local communities, outside of politics. He said 'Ayuh Malaysia' would operate differently from profit-oriented businesses and donation-reliant NGOs by empowering local communities to conduct economic activities that are both effective and self-sustaining.

Malay Mail
11 hours ago
- Malay Mail
Anwar and Prabowo to hold first annual talks as leaders in Indonesia tomorrow, delegation to focus on trade, security, regional ties
JAKARTA, July 27 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will embark on a two-day working visit to Indonesia starting Monday to attend the 13th Annual Consultation with President Prabowo Subianto — the first such meeting between the two leaders. Anwar will be accompanied by Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Abang Openg; Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor; Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan; Home Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail; Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz; Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek. 'This Annual Consultation represents the highest-level bilateral mechanism between Malaysia and Indonesia, aimed at reinforcing strategic and comprehensive cooperation,' Malaysian Ambassador to Indonesia Datuk Syed Mohamad Hasrin Tengku Hussin said during a media briefing here on Sunday. He said the Annual Consultation, convened alternately between the two countries since 2006, reflects the strong political commitment of both nations to enhance collaboration across a wide range of sectors, including trade and investment, defence and security, connectivity, food security and education. 'The leaders are expected to exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest,' he said, adding that a Joint Statement will be issued at the conclusion of the consultation. The previous consultation was held in 2017, making this a timely opportunity for both leaders to reaffirm their strategic partnership and explore new areas of cooperation in response to current regional and global challenges. Syed Mohamad Hasrin said the leaders will also witness the exchange of four Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) in the areas of land border, health cooperation and information and communications technology. During the visit, he said the Prime Minister is also scheduled to visit the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta, at the invitation of the ASEAN Secretary-General, Dr Kao Kim Hourn. Anwar will also deliver a Policy Speech on ASEAN in the context of Malaysia's ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025, underscoring Malaysia's ongoing commitment to regional integration and community-building. In 2024, Indonesia ranked as Malaysia's sixth-largest global trading partner and the second largest within ASEAN. Bilateral trade increased by 4.5 per cent from RM111.21 billion (US$24.39 billion) in 2023 to RM116.29 billion (US$25.5 billion) in 2024. — Bernama