The hours spent waiting for a flight — after checking in but before boarding — is often seen as a drag or a waste of time. However, chances are those who think that way are not familiar with Malaysia’s aviation hubs.

In a constant state of transformation and elevation, Malaysia Airports is on a mission to make any time, every time, spent at its airports an enjoyable part of the journey.

“Duty-free shopping in Malaysia, particularly at the KL International Airport, offers such a diverse range of products that it is simply a must-do for all international travellers who seek luxury as well as savings,” says its senior general manager Hani Ezra Hussin. “From the finest brands in the world to perfumes and cosmetics, travel-exclusive items and locally made Malaysian products, you will find it all at our airports. Together with exclusive discounts and a premium shopping experience, you will want to include a last-minute airport shopping pit stop for sure!”

Research data has shown how the most popular products purchased from Malaysian airports continue to be perfume, cosmetics, watches, liquor and tobacco. Malaysians are, of course, still entitled to purchase duty-free alcohol and tobacco products whenever they travel abroad.

“The Customs Department has revised the minimum travelling requirement from 72 hours to 48 hours in order for Malaysians to enjoy their duty-free allowance,” she says. “You will find that KLIA has duty-free stores strategically located at the arrival hall. This is to ensure maximum convenience for returning Malaysians to shop and take advantage of these privileges.”

Certainly, there is no shortage of other stores or products to discover. For an extensive selection of duty-free products, Eraman is an obvious choice, particularly since it recently refurbished two of its duty-free emporiums at KLIA Terminal 1 which now boast 1,074 sq m of prime retail space. Eraman has also introduced interactive screens so travellers can easily access detailed product information and exclusive promotions, while spearheading technological improvements such as self-checkout counters — a first in the Malaysian travel retail industry.

Heinemann, another duty-free heavyweight, boasts a new store design to discover on your next visit to KLIA. Subtle touches of traditional batik prints inject a sense of Malaysia against a soothing backdrop of natural stone and soft colours, making browsing (and buying) all the more pleasurable. Heinemann has also taken over retail space near the departure gates to provide a more convenient shopping experience for passengers, bringing its total footprint at KLIA Terminal 2 to 1,686 sq m.

Valiram, a Malaysian turned global luxury goods and 360° retail specialist, is strengthening and reaffirming its presence with Malaysia Airports, opening a new Flying Emporium and Candy Party and Beaute Love stores at KLIA Terminal 1’s Contact Pier, in addition to its already impressive portfolio, which includes Swiss Watch Gallery, Bath & Body Works and Victoria’s Secret.

“There are several other boutiques to discover, all of which boast newly renovated façades and interiors. These include Eraman Emporium DF1 and DF2, Bulgari, Michael Kors, Tory Burch and Polo Ralph Lauren, all at KLIA Terminal 1,” says Hani Ezra.

“But you will find many more exciting brands coming your way soon in our airports, such as hip local clothing brand Kapten Batik, Hugo Boss, TIME and Sense of Malaysia. There is also an exciting dining concept by Malaysia’s most popular celebrity chef, Chef Wan.”

And it doesn’t stop there. Malaysia Airports’ iconic Licence to Win campaign, an annual shopping extravaganza, returns this 2024 with the promise of even more fabulous rewards in store. Previous lucky shoppers walked away with millions of dollars’ worth of prizes and even supercars, including an Aston Martin DB11. Although the grand prize has yet to be revealed, all it can be said is that it would be something infinitely worth waiting for. Watch this space.