KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 19): Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) said it will install the latest thermal scanner and sneeze guards at 19 airports nationwide as part of its efforts in keeping airport guests safe from the spread of Covid-19.

In a statement today, the airport operator said visitors can rest assured that they will have a safe airport experience as it continually implements various contactless and physical distancing solutions at critical checkpoints throughout the terminals. 

A total of 23 new thermal scanners and 600 units of sneeze guards will be installed at all 19 airports.

The new equipment has been installed at KLIA and 12 airports in Penang, Langkawi, Kuching, Kota Kinabalu, Subang, Terengganu, Tawau, Labuan, Alor Setar, Sandakan, Kota Bharu and Miri.

The remaining seven airports that are installing the scanners and sneeze guards are at Ipoh, Kuantan, Melaka, Bintulu, Limbang, Sibu and Lahad Datu. Work is scheduled to be completed by end-October 2020.

“Since the onset of the pandemic, we have not stopped exploring means and ways to help mitigate the risks of Covid-19. We consider this as part and parcel of our obligation to help keep our country safe,” said MAHB group CEO Datuk Mohd Shukrie Mohd Salleh.

“We have been working very closely with the Ministry of Transport (MoT), Ministry of Health (MoH) and other related agencies, mainly through the joint committee at KL International Airport — the KLIA Covid Committee. We pilot the latest technology solutions at KLIA first before rolling them out at other airports because KLIA serves the majority of our passengers,” he added.

He added that MAHB remains committed to maintaining the highest levels of safety without compromising on service levels as befitting KLIA’s reputation as one of the world's best airports.

“It is crucial that while we cater to the new normal in air travel, we continue to provide seamless airport experiences to our passengers,” he said.

MAHB is currently trading six sen or 1.48% higher at RM4.11, for a market capitalisation of RM6.82 billion.