LAST Wednesday, as I arrived at Kuala Lumpur International Airport at 6.30am, I noticed the inner drop-off lane (normally reserved for taxis) had been sealed off with traffic cones.

All vehicles were directed to the outer drop-off lane, resulting in a traffic jam made worse by the constriction caused by cars parked along the entire outer drop-off lane. This caused great inconvenience to all passengers.

As I alighted from my car, I saw several MAS Enrich drop-off porters and enquired why the lane was closed. The reply was: “That’s for the VIPs.” It was hard to believe.

I proceeded to check in for my flight. After that, I went to the enquiry counter to ask for a zip-lock plastic bag and took the opportunity to enquire as to why the inner drop-off lane was closed. The reply shocked me — apparently it was closed on police advice after a robbery at the airport.

I have been to many international airports. They do not have two drop-off lanes but they also do not have congestion at drop-off points.

We have chaos and standing room only at drop-off areas. I could hear car horns from far away. I think the drivers were just frustrated by the attitude of the authorities concerned towards the situation.

We have a truly world-class airport that prides itself on winning many international awards. But even though the building is first-class, we unfortunately cannot say the same for the management of it. Is KLIA another case of first-class facility but Third-World management?

I hope the authority concerned can look into this.

S.S. NGIANPetaling Jaya

Source: NST – August 26, 2008