Malaysia Airports Launches ShopLAH: A New Era of Airport Retail for Visit Malaysia 2026

When you step off a plane at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, you’re not just entering a transit hub; you’re stepping into the first chapter of a Malaysian adventure. Traditionally, airports have been seen as functional gateways—places of quick coffee and frantic gate-checking. But in 2026, Malaysia Airports is rewriting that narrative to ensure the journey is just as memorable as the destination.

To coincide with the massive Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) initiative, Malaysia Airports has launched ShopLAH, a vibrant, tourism-focused shopping campaign designed to turn transit time into “discovery time.” By blending high-end retail with deep-rooted cultural storytelling, the airport operator is ensuring that every visitor’s first and last impression of the country is as colorful as a piece of hand-dyed batik.

The ShopLAH Strategy: Shopping with a Soul

The “ShopLAH” campaign (the “LAH” being a nod to Malaysia’s famous colloquial suffix that signifies warmth and local flavor) is built on a simple but powerful philosophy: modern travelers want more than just products; they want experiences. The campaign integrates shopping, dining, and cultural heritage to support the national goal of driving tourism spending and showcasing the best of Malaysia.

“The campaign enhances the passenger travel experience while strengthening our commercial ecosystem through close collaboration with local brands and the creative community,” says Malaysia Airports Managing Director Dato’ Mohd Izani Ghani. Under his leadership, the airport has evolved into a “sense of place” destination. Instead of generic global brands dominating the concourse, travelers are now greeted by a curated selection of homegrown heroes like Oriental Kopi, Kapten Batik, Serai, and Jibby Chow.

Driving the Economy: From Coconuts to Confectionery

The numbers suggest that travelers are more than happy to open their wallets for a piece of authentic Malaysia. In 2025, Malaysia Airports saw a staggering 28.8% year-on-year increase in sales transactions, reaching approximately 44 million transactions across its network as passenger traffic soared to 104.5 million.

Key growth areas highlighted by the campaign include:

• Gifts & Souvenirs: This category exploded with 42% growth, proving that travelers are looking for meaningful keepsakes over mass-produced trinkets.
• Food & Beverage: A 19% rise, driven by the popularity of local culinary icons.
• Malaysian Chocolate: In a surprising shift, local brands now account for 33% of the total confectionery category, challenging the long-standing dominance of international chocolate giants.

Digital Innovation: The Tourist Privilege Card

To keep the momentum going through the 2026 holiday season and beyond, Malaysia Airports is leaning heavily into technology. Integrated directly into the MYAirports App, the new digital Tourist Privilege Card offers international visitors instant discounts, shopping privileges, and exclusive rewards at select retail and food outlets.

This isn’t just a digital coupon book; it’s a strategy to make the airport feel more welcoming. By rewarding international guests for exploring local brands, the airport bridges the gap between a high-tech transit facility and a warm Malaysian welcome.

Art in the Aisles: The Signature Keepsake

One of the most human elements of the ShopLAH campaign is its collaboration with the local creative community. Travelers can now take home a piece of functional art: limited-edition foldable souvenir bags.

These aren’t your standard plastic carriers. Malaysia Airports partnered with acclaimed local artists—Hsieying, Kideika, Daisy Dalia, and Afi Sulaiman—to design sustainable, reusable bags. Each design reflects a different facet of Malaysia, from its vibrant urban lifestyle and heritage architecture to its world-famous local cuisine. It’s a move that aligns perfectly with the global trend toward sustainable travel while giving local artists a global stage.

Why It Matters for the Traveler

By shifting the focus from “passenger” to “guest,” Malaysia Airports is reducing the stress of travel. Interactive installations and authentic dining spots transform the terminal from a sterile corridor into a vibrant cultural marketplace.

Whether you’re grabbing a last-minute batik shirt from Kapten Batik or savoring a final cup of Malaysian white coffee at Oriental Kopi before your flight, the ShopLAH campaign ensures that your journey doesn’t end at the boarding gate—it lives on in the bag you carry and the flavors you remember.

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