MCA: KLIA late-night shuttle gaps risk confusion, tourism image

 

GAPS in late-night shuttle connectivity between terminals at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) are raising concerns over passenger safety, convenience, and Malaysia’s tourism image, said the MCA Tourism Bureau.

According to its chairman, Lawrence Chiew Kai Heng, passengers travelling between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 after midnight face confusion and unnecessary inconvenience due to limited transport options.

“Malaysia’s main international gateway should provide seamless connectivity at all hours, but travellers are instead confronted with uncertainty and stress,” he said in a statement.

He noted that passengers arriving at Terminal 2 and transferring to Terminal 1 are currently reliant on a limited free shuttle bus service, which routes through long-term parking areas with multiple stops.

“This creates confusion, especially for foreign tourists unfamiliar with the airport layout, who may mistakenly think they have arrived at the terminal when the bus stops in dark, unfamiliar areas,” he added.

Chiew also pointed to inadequate signage, unclear announcements, and language barriers as factors worsening the situation, particularly for travellers carrying luggage during off-peak hours.

He said the issue is compounded when the Aerotrain is unavailable after midnight, forcing passengers within Terminal 1 to depend on shuttle buses to reach the satellite terminal, further adding to congestion.

“This is not the standard expected of a leading aviation hub. It affects passenger confidence, travel efficiency, and Malaysia’s reputation,” he stated.

To address the issue, Chiew proposed several measures, including the introduction of a direct non-stop midnight shuttle service between terminals at frequent intervals, and an increase in the number of late-night buses to reduce crowding.

He also called for the separation of inter-terminal shuttle services from long-term parking routes, clearer multilingual signage and digital displays, improved onboard announcements, and a stronger staff presence during overnight hours.

In addition, he urged authorities to review Aerotrain replacement arrangements to ensure smoother internal transfers.

“Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad and relevant authorities must act swiftly. A world-class airport must serve passengers efficiently not only during peak hours, but around the clock,” he said. ‒  Focus Malaysia