KUALA LUMPUR: DISGRUNTLED travellers have taken to social media to express their disappointment over the recurring technical glitches at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).
Traveller Richard Robinson had, last Friday, ticked off the Immigration Department for what seemed to be poor counter services.
“Shocking queues at immigration and lots of empty desks! 1 hour wait!! Come on!!!!!!” he tweeted.
The post was accompanied by a photo showing long lines at the Immigration Department’s airport counters.
Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) yesterday issued an apology, saying: “Dear Mr Richard, sincere apologies — we truly understand your frustration. Will work with @JIM_KLIA (Immigration Department) on this.”
Robinson’s tweet was the latest in a series on unpleasant social media posts about the wanting counter services at the airport involving the Immigration Department.
On Sept 17, fellow traveller Kimberley Yeo tweeted: “#KLIA the worst airport I’ve been to in a while. Business/first (class passengers) queuing for an hour to get through Immigration and no staff to be seen.”
Her tweet had also prompted an apology from MAHB yesterday.
Earlier last month, traveller Tommy Bjorkberg had a dismal experience at KLIA, where he ticked off the baggage handling service, the Immigration Department, security personnel and the airport staff.
He tweeted: “#KLIA Worst airport ever… Slow baggage drop, slow passport control, slow security, lazy staff.”
Immigration Department director-general Datuk Seri Mustafar Ali said the technical glitches had been rectified.
“The problem occurred when the system was unable to recognise or read information on the chips in the passports.”
He said the vendors had been notified.
“They have taken immediate action on the matter. There are also vendor representatives at the airport to handle the situation if the problem recurs.”
When asked on the lack of Immigration officers manning the counters at the airport, Mustafar said he had instructed that counters be manned at all times immediately.
A check by the New Straits Times at KLIA yesterday showed that all counter operations were normal.
Travellers said they did not face any delays at any service areas.
At the international departure area, almost all counters were manned.
Customs and security clearance were also running smoothly between 3pm and 4pm.