Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) has proudly secured the top spot among 355 airports globally in the Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Global Performance rankings.
This remarkable achievement highlights Malaysia’s dedication to providing exceptional airport services, and further enhancements are on the way to maintain this reputation.
Photo via The Sun
The Immigration Department has announced plans to install 40 additional autogates equipped with advanced QR code technology by the end of the year. These upgrades are part of Malaysia’s preparations to chair ASEAN next year and aim to improve the efficiency of immigration processes at KLIA Terminal 1 and KLIA Terminal 2 (klia2).
Currently, the airport operates 54 autogates, primarily for Malaysian citizens. However, with the recent expansion of the service to travellers from 63 countries, the increased demand has made the need for more gates evident. Each terminal will receive an additional 10 autogates in both the arrival and departure halls, adding up to 20 new units per terminal.
The new gates are expected to significantly reduce clearance times. Immigration Director-General Datuk Zakaria Shaaban shared that the upgrades will enable travellers to complete the process in under five seconds, a substantial improvement from the current 10 to 15 seconds.
Photo via Free Malaysia Today
The auto gates will feature a QR-based system integrated with facial recognition technology, ensuring faster processing while maintaining top-tier security. By automating the process, the system aims to minimise manual interference and reduce risks such as corruption or manipulation. Zakaria explained that any system issues would automatically block or restrict users, further ensuring security and efficiency.
Previously, Malaysian travellers benefited from shorter wait times thanks to dedicated autogates. However, with the inclusion of non-citizens, passenger flow has increased significantly, necessitating these improvements.
The additional gates are expected to alleviate congestion and restore seamless immigration experiences for all passengers, further cementing KLIA’s standing as a world-class airport.
