Japanese businessman Riyo Kawakami poses with the Lamborghini Huracan Spyder. — Picture courtesy of MAHB

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 25 — Japanese businessman Riyo Kawakami won a Lamborghini Huracan Spyder speedster after spending more than RM2 million at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport’s (KLIA) duty free outlets last year.

The traveller from Tokyo who frequently passes through Malaysia’s main gateway was declared the grand prize winner of Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd’s (MAHB) “Spend & Win” contest held between May and December 2017.

“I bought 20 Rolex watches at KLIA during my trips between June and December,” the 43-year-old Kawakami was quoted saying by New Straits Times in a report published on its website yesterday.

According to Kawakami, it was his first competition. He was also reported saying he routinely bought luxury watches from KLIA before returning home to Japan.

In a separate statement, MAHB managing director Datuk Badlisham Ghazali said airport shopping has become an integral part of air travel.

“KLIA is one of the world’s busiest airports and we aim to live up to our mission of creating joyful experiences,” he said.

He added that sales rose 24 per cent last year compared to 2016, in tandem with a significant growth of 8.5 per cent in passenger traffic at airports nationwide.

The 25th anniversary shopping campaign saw travellers spend an average of RM4.5 million each week, with total sales worth RM135 million.

The contest in conjunction with MAHB’s 25th anniversary celebrations was organised together with Mastercard, Malaysia Airlines, Malindo Air and AirAsia.