GEORGE TOWN, April 2 — Penang International Airport (PIA) is set to implement the ‘MyBorderPass’ system and Auto Gate facilities in the coming months to streamline immigration procedures for both Malaysians and foreign travellers.
GEORGE TOWN, April 2 — Penang International Airport (PIA) is set to implement the ‘MyBorderPass’ system and Auto Gate facilities in the coming months to streamline immigration procedures for both Malaysians and foreign travellers.
State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said the initiative is currently in the planning stage, with the tender process already in motion.
“This move will ease congestion at immigration counters, enhance clearance efficiency, and shorten queues during peak travel times. The Auto Gate system will be accessible to travellers from 63 countries and regions,” he said in a statement following a meeting between Penang tourism industry representatives and PIA management.
Wong also shared that the airport now features 35 Self-Service Check-In Kiosks to expedite passenger check-in. Fifteen of these kiosks are allocated for AirAsia, while the remaining 20 are used by Scoot, Cathay Pacific, and Malaysia Airlines. Talks are ongoing with additional airlines to expand kiosk usage. These kiosks are strategically located across the terminal to ensure smooth passenger flow and reduce congestion.
In addition, PIA has introduced five Self-Service Bag Drop counters, currently available exclusively for Malaysia Airlines passengers, to further streamline the baggage drop-off process. Wong noted that discussions are underway to extend this feature to more airlines.
Regarding PIA’s expansion project, Wong said that phase one — which includes the construction of an auxiliary building and supporting infrastructure — had reached 32 per cent completion as of mid-March 2025. The project remains on schedule.
Wong also reported a surge in passenger traffic, with PIA recording 1.37 million passengers between January and February 2025 — a 17.35 per cent increase from 1.17 million during the same period in 2024.
As of February 2025, the airport recorded 320 international flights weekly, up from 208 in 2016 — a 1.54-fold increase.
With growing traffic and flight frequency, Wong acknowledged that the current 16 aircraft bays are insufficient. As part of the expansion, 12 additional bays will be added — six contact stands and six remote bays — nearly doubling the airport’s total to 28 bays to meet future demand. — Bernama
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