Commenting on the government’s plan to allow only passengers into the airport terminal complex to improve security, the association’s past president, Nelson Kwok Teng Toong, said doing so would greatly affect the income of retailers there.

“I understand the reason behind the proposal, especially as it is meant to ensure the security of the travellers,” he told FMT.

“But there is no denying that the retailers will be affected by this move.

“As it is, a huge number of the customers are those who are at the airports to pick up and drop off the passengers.

“So why don’t we look at a more reasonable way of ensuring security, which is to place more stringent security checks at all the entry and exit points?”

Kwok pointed to measures implemented at other international airports, such as the ones in China and Singapore.

“I was in Singapore a few days ago and even to enter the arrival hall, I had to go through security checks first.

“It may be an inconvenience to others but at least we can all rest assured that our safety is guaranteed there.

“And perhaps this is what we need because as a traveller myself, I also feel our airport security is quite lax compared to other countries.”

AirAsia Group Chief Executive Officer Tony Fernandes, when contacted, however, agreed with the proposal revealed by Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi today.

“(I) fully support that,” said Tony in a text message to FMT.

When asked if it was for security’s sake, Tony replied back: “Yes.”

Zahid was reported as saying that the proposal, discussed at the Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, would see only passengers with valid tickets allowed entry into the airport terminal for airline check-in.

This way, he added, all other persons, including family members and friends sending off passengers, will have to remain outside the building.

This would also ensure that any other people, who have no business at the airport, are prevented from entering the airport.