KUALA LUMPUR (March 4): Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) is set to offer private health safety screening services for passengers at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) to enjoy faster clearance upon arrival.

The airport operator said the services will enhance passenger experience as they can undergo tests and wait for their results in comfortable surroundings. The move will also restore passenger confidence in air travel and aid in its gradual recovery, it said in a statement.

MAHB said it will be engaging with partners to provide these services and has obtained the necessary approval from the relevant authorities to implement the move.

"Adoption of passenger centric improvement initiatives by airport operators is crucial," said MAHB chairman Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir, citing a projection by the Malaysian Aviation Commission that passenger traffic would rebound in 2021 by between 94.2% and 100.3% year-on-year.

"Based on what we have seen at our own airports and others around the world, additional safety measures can result in long queues and waiting times.

"This will have a detrimental effect on passenger experience, and we are anxious to avoid this," he added.

Zambry said that as authorities race to restore confidence in the safety of air travel, cooperation between countries such as a globally recognised standard of health reporting will also have a positive impact on the recovery of the aviation industry.

He said the introduction of the International Air Transport Association Travel Pass is a good example as it will manage and verify testing or vaccine information between governments, airlines, laboratories and travellers.

"Last month, our national flag carrier Malaysia Airlines incorporated this digital health pass into their app. Other carriers that have done so include Singapore Airlines and Qatar Airways," he added.