SEPANG, March 18 -- Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) and the government of Malaysia inked a new operating agreement (OA) to entrust the group with operating, managing, maintaining and developing 39 airports and short take-off and landing (STOL) ports for the next 45 years.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the new agreement extends until February 11, 2069 and will offer the group flexibility to pursue strategic investments essential for enhancing airports capacity, facilities and infrastructure therefore elevating its service standards.

"MAHB can now invest in terms of capacity building. upgrading our airports based on the investment recovery model. That will be helpful for the government because one of the biggest hurdles and c...