A Newswav poll of close to 3,200 voters found Malaysians nearly evenly split over whether drivers should be charged for exceeding the 10-minute pickup and drop-off time limit at KLIA terminals.
About 1,500 respondents supported the policy, while roughly 1,700 opposed it, reflecting a nearly even split between those prioritising traffic efficiency and those concerned about practicality.
KLIA’s 10-Minute Rule in Action
KLIA Terminal 1 has begun full enforcement of the 10-minute kerbside rule, with fines issued via the Vehicle Access Management System (VAMS) starting at RM10 up to RM100 for overstaying vehicles. The policy is aimed at preventing congestion along pick-up and drop-off lanes, ensuring smoother traffic flow, and reducing delays for other passengers. By discouraging lingering vehicles, KLIA hopes to improve overall efficiency while maintaining a safer airport environment.
Public Concerns and Comments
Poll respondents shared a range of perspectives on the 10-minute rule.
Many supported the policy, saying it helps reduce traffic jams and keeps kerbside lanes clear. One respondent noted, “If you want longer parking, go park in the designated area and don’t hog the lanes along pick-up and drop-off zones!” Supporters also emphasised that short-term stops should be strictly limited to pickups and drop-offs to prevent congestion from spreading across the terminal.
At the same time, some questioned the practicality of the rule. Several felt that 10 minutes is too short for a busy airport, with one respondent commenting, “10 minutes is too short for KLIA, perhaps a rural airport okay.” Others suggested providing a waiting area about 1km before the terminal to ease bottlenecks, or extending the time slightly and improving infrastructure rather than strictly penalising drivers.
Additional ideas from the public focused on combining the rule with enhanced traffic management, such as police oversight or designated pre-terminal waiting areas, to strike a balance between efficiency and convenience.
Balancing Efficiency and Practicality
While many see the value in enforcing a strict time limit to prevent congestion, there is also widespread concern about whether the current limit is sufficient for KLIA’s scale. Adjustments like extended waiting areas, staggered pickups, or enhanced traffic monitoring could make the system more practical without undermining its goal of smooth passenger flow.
Do you support KLIA’s 10-minute pickup and drop-off rule, or do you think modifications are needed to make it more realistic for daily airport operations?
Share what you think, see how others feel, and make your voice count as part of the Newswav community. Vote now 🗳️🗣️