Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) has seen an average of 42 percent progressive recovery since the COVID-19 pandemic, Minister of Transport Datuk Seri Dr Wee Siong said. 

International airport arrivals were around two percent during the first Movement Control Order (MCO), in March, while local arrivals accounted for about three percent for local arrivals.

In July and August, he said the flow of passenger traffic amounted to approximately 1.3 million, compared to just approximately 430,000 in June 2020.

"Although this is a sign of improvement, it will be some time before we see numbers going up to pre-COVID-19 levels," Wee told reporters today, after launching MAHB's e-commerce platform, shopMYairports to provide airport retailers with sustainable means to recover from the unprecedented COVID-19.

The MAHB operates 39 international airports in Malaysia, including the short take-off and landing of 5 international airports, 16 domestic and 18 STOLport airports.

On the e-commerce platform, Wee said it offered airport retailers a more creative and innovative approach to business.

"Digitalisation is the key forward in embracing new normal to make it easier for customers while experiencing seamless, safe, and contactless shopping. 

“The majority of airport retailers are categorised as small and medium enterprises, thus it is crucial to support them with the appropriate tools and skills, as well as to help them with a business plan for long term sustainability,” he said.