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A NEW “green lane” system has been introduced at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) to streamline international passenger movement and reduce long queues caused by customs checks, Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced today.
Speaking after an inspection at the airport, Loke said the initiative was aimed at passengers with no goods to declare, allowing them to bypass conventional baggage scanning while customs officers retain the authority to detain and inspect any passenger deemed suspicious.
“Previously, all passengers were funnelled through a single lane, and baggage had to be scanned, which often resulted in congestion and delays,” Loke explained.
The green lane is intended to alleviate pressure, particularly in Terminal 1, where peak-time backlogs have been most severe.
Loke noted that the system had been introduced in the past but was suspended. Following consultations and agreements among Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB), the Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM), and the Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS), it has now been reinstated as a one-month trial, with plans to extend it to Terminal 2 and other airports nationwide if successful.
The pilot includes two green lanes for passengers carrying no restricted items and a single red lane for those required to declare goods and pay duties.
“Passengers using the green lane can exit directly to the arrival hall without baggage scans, while those with dutiable items must go through the red lane for customs processing,” Loke said.
He added that the measure is part of enhancements aligned with Visit Malaysia Year 2026 and is expected to accommodate an additional 8,000 to 9,000 passengers daily at Terminal 1, of whom around 60 percent are international travellers.
Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Hasbi Habibollah and the Ministry’s Chief Secretary Datuk Jana Santhiran Muniayan were also present during the inspection.
The move reflects Malaysia’s ongoing efforts to improve passenger experience and operational efficiency at its busiest international gateway, anticipating increased traveller volumes in line with national tourism initiatives. - January 26, 2026
