International Travellers heading out of the country via KLIA1 will now be subjected to a single customs checks, or screening, at their respective boarding gates. The new arrangement goes into effect on 1 January 2026.
The change in SOP is part of the airport’s operator, Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd, The Ministry of Transport, RMCD and the Malaysian Border Control And Protection Agency, to improve the flow of passengers through the terminals during peak travel periods. It is expected to enhance passenger experience and expedite the boarding process.
At current, travellers are still subjected to ” departure screenings” at zones located immediately after the immigration counters. Under the new arrangement, travellers will only have to undergo security checks at the boarding gates. “This measure does not compromise the level of security or customs enforcement. On the contrary, passenger and goods inspection will continue to be strengthened through operational coordination and compliance with jointly agreed procedures,” the MOT said.
Until the new SOP comes into effect, KLIA1 remains one of several airports that require travellers to undergo a two-part screening: the first, as explained, starts right after the immigration counters, while the second and more important one, begins at the entrance of each boarding gate. The latter is the more stringent screening, as it requires travellers to remove certain items from their carry-ons and person, and dispose of all liquids exceeding 100ml.
To be clear, this is the procedure of our country, and other countries have different protocols. For example, the US only does one security screening, right after their immigration counters, but theirs is more thorough, stringent, and in some airports, more efficient in that their x-ray machines don’t require you to remove anything from your baggage.
(Source: The Edge)
