Malaysian airports face complaints over expensive food

By Hoang Vu February 11, 2026 | 06:57 pm PT

Travelers push their trolley past a logo of Malaysia Airports at the departure hall of Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Sepang, outside Kuala Lumpur, Aug. 26, 2013. Photo by Reuters

The Malaysian government has received public complaints about the high prices of items such as chocolates, food and alcohol at airport outlets compared with prices outside, Tourism Minister Tiong King Sing said.

"Visitors at the airport have mentioned that items sold at duty-free shops are expensive and that it is cheaper to buy from outside," he said at a press conference at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1 on Tuesday as quoted by Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post.

He added that higher prices could impact airport retail sales and increase the financial burden on travelers, particularly families traveling together.

According to Tiong, discussions with several outlet operators indicated that rental rates and associated operating costs may be contributing factors, Malay Mail reported.

He asked Malaysia Airports Holdings, which manages 39 airports across Malaysia, comprising five international airports, to review costs, promote local cuisine and enhance visitor experience.

"It is important for Malaysia Airports to promote local food offerings, including those from various regions and states, as food remains one of the main attractions for travelers," he said.

Tiong said visitors to the country get a first impression of Malaysia at its airports.

As such, it is important that matters like cleanliness are maintained, he added.

Malaysia's tourism sector recorded 42.2 million visitors in 2025, an 11.2% year-on-year increase and 20.4% higher than 2019 benchmarks, making it the most visited country in Southeast Asia.