I REFER to “Should MAHB be privatised?” 

The writer has raised concerns over the proposed privatisation of the Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd, which operates 39 airports in Malaysia. The concerns may be borne out of national pride or strategic considerations, although they are somewhat misplaced.

The fact is that Global Infrastructure Partners (which is proposing to take MAHB private together with Khazanah, Employees Provident Fund and the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority) has a sterling track record in turning around airports throughout the world.

Take the Edinburgh Airport which GIP took over in 2012. Passenger numbers have risen from 9.2 million to 14.4 million last year. The number of destinations has increased to 225 from 141.

GIP’s Sydney Airport saw decreased security wait times by more than 60% to 11 minutes. At Gatwick, GIP completed their train replacement (same model and track length as KLIA’s Aerotrain) within 10 months and increased passenger throughput from 220 to 550 passengers per hour.

Why do we want to say no to foreign expertise that can help boost the global rankings of our airports? In March this year, KLIA was ranked the 8th worst airport in Asia by “Business Financing”. Regular users of Malaysian airports can attest to their rapid deterioration over the years.