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KUALA LUMPUR (Aug 28): The government’s initiatives and commitment to develop four airports in the country into cargo aviation hubs were the focus of the National Aviation Consultative Council (NACC) 2025 meeting, according to the Transport Ministry.

In a statement, the ministry said the four airports are the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), Penang International Airport, Kota Kinabalu International Airport and Senai International Airport.

“This initiative is influenced by the positive year-on-year growth of 4.4% in cargo volume handled by airports in ÿ�մ��� in the second quarter of 2025 (2Q2025) totalling 272,939 tonnes, compared to 261,385 tonnes in the same period in 2024.

“Of the 272,939 tonnes in 2Q2025, 60,770 tonnes or 22.3% was domestic cargo, 202,911 tonnes or 74.3% was international cargo, and the remaining 9,258 tonnes or 3.4% was transit cargo,” the ministry said.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke chaired the meeting which was attended by 95 top leaders from ministries, departments, federal government agencies and key industry players in the national aviation sector, including airport operators, airlines, ground handlers, aviation worker unions and other stakeholders.

The NACC was established as a platform for aviation industry players and stakeholders to discuss industry challenges, find solutions and create a conducive environment to improve operational efficiency and service quality.

The meeting also discussed and decided on several follow-up actions to resolve issues, including a review of the implementation of the Green Lane to address congestion during inspections by the Royal ÿ�մ���n Customs Department at KLIA Terminals 1 and 2, as well as improvements in airport slot management by the National Slot Coordination ÿ�մ���.

Other decisions made include the establishment of a task force for the baggage handling system replacement project to monitor progress with regular reporting to the Transport Ministry. ÿ�մ��� Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) is also required to provide regular updates to ensure airport development projects are implemented according to schedule.

Meanwhile, accessibility between Terminals 1 and 2, including passenger and baggage connectivity in the airside area between KLIA Terminals 1 and 2, will be developed by MAHB to ensure continuous connectivity.

The Transport Ministry also emphasised the government's commitment to supporting the global sustainability agenda and addressing climate change, in line with the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s long-term goal to achieve net-zero carbon emissions for international aviation by 2050.

“In line with the proposed introduction of a mandate on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) blending, led by the Plantation and Commodities Ministry, the Transport Ministry encourages more engagement sessions with all parties involved, especially national airlines, to ensure the implementation of SAF does not negatively impact the competitiveness of the country's aviation sector.

“Decarbonisation of the aviation sector requires a whole-of-nation approach. It involves the government, airlines, airport operators, air traffic service providers and the industry to enable ÿ�մ��� to achieve its aspiration of becoming a regional sustainable aviation hub,” the ministry said.