If you’re planning to grab a ride via e-hailing service at KL International Airport (KLIA) and klia2, take note that pick-up areas have changed. In a statement last Friday, Malaysia Airports (MAHB) announced that new designated pick-up points at the two airports have been upgraded for the comfort of passengers and improve traffic flow.

Pick-up points at KLIA have been changed to Door 3 and 4, Level 1 of the Main Terminal Building (MTB), while at klia2, it is now at Door 5, Level 1 of Transportation Hub at klia2. Previously, e-hailing drivers pick their passengers at Level 4 of the arrival hall at KLIA and Level 2 arrival at klia2 respectively.

Malaysia Airports has allocated a complimentary waiting area for e-hailing driverss at its Land Operations office, located five minutes away from the terminal building. The reason for the designated parking area is for drivers to wait for their passengers before pick-up. This will ensure better traffic flow at the terminal building.

The airport management is also implementing a five-minute allocation for drivers to pick-up the passengers. How will they enforce this ruling? To access designated pick-up lanes, drivers will need to have a Touch ‘n Go card with a minimum value of MYR20 or pay-wave cards (Visa, Mastercard and debit card). A penalty of MYR10 will be imposed (and deducted from card) should drivers remain in the pick-up lane for more than five minutes. A further MYR10 penalty will be imposed if the drive continues to wait for another five minutes.

While it seems to be a positive move, there are several issues that may crop up. Firstly, possible congestion during peak hours may delay passenger pick-ups, a problem the new initiative is attempting to solve.

This may also be tricky when there are several passengers boarding a car; with luggage in tow. For bigger carriers like MPVs, the situation may be even more dire.

The other possible challenge is when drivers pick-up a differently-abled passenger; more time may be required to pack a wheelchair or board the passenger, for instance.

There should be a little more buffer, especially during introductory part of the initiative, to make way for learnings and feedback. A MYR20 penalty seems to rather harsh, if necessary.

VIA Malaysia Airports | Header image: Malaysia Airports