Malaysia's First Outdoor Plane Observation Deck

[KS Ong 1]

Even since the observation hill was closed and being off limits to the public in the early 2000, plane spotting activity has been shunned away by the airport authorities. They do not recognize the hobby and they deemed it as 'a threat to the airport security'. It was rather bothersome to the spotters, where we had to 'duck and hide' behind bushes and oil palm trees whenever the 'bulis' in their 4wd with blue lightbar, patrolling around the airport perimeter road. We even tried to timed their patrolling schedule to avoid them.

 

There were also times where we had to come face to face with them. We had to show our identity cards for their 'record' purposes. Not all of them were 'bad cops'. Some were nice and allowed us to spot for a few more planes before asking us to leave. However, some unfriendly ones threatened us to leave immediately or face being escorted to their police station for further 'questioning'. In short, it was kind of a cat and mouse game that we had to endured for a few years.

 

Fast forward to today (17 June 19), the plane spotting environment has evolved for the better. It was a dream come true as Malaysia Airport opened their first purposely built observation deck called Anjung Spotter to the public and more importantly, to the plane spotters community. It is their commitment in elevating the airport experience among their guest, thus recognizing plane spotting as a healthy, inspiring and fun hobby.

I am glad to share with you some pictures of today's opening event.

 

Arrived at 0800. The staffs were rehearsing and doing final touch ups for the opening.

 

 

 

 

 

Some of the pictures contributed from spotters around Malaysia. This is not a permanent feature at the Anjung Spotter as it was taken away after the event.

 

 

Media registration. There were close to 80 guest, comprising of Airport and Airline staffs, RMAF personnel, Media and plane spotters.

 

Most of the VIPs and guest arrived between 0915 to 0945 and the event started about 1000 with a customary speech by MAHB CEO, Raja Azmi.

 

A rare sight where the two CEOs were 'in talking' terms.

 

RMAF was represented by Air Force Commander 1 Major General Datuk Zahani Zainal Abidin.

 

Anjung Spotter is officially opened.

 

(L-R) AirAsia GCEO Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, (MAHB) GCEO Raja Azmi Raja Nazuddin, (MAHB) Group Chairman Tan Sri Zainun Ali, RMAF Commander 1 Major General Datuk Zahani Zainal Abidin and MAHB COO Datuk Mohd Shukrie Mohd Salleh.

 

 

 

Everyone was 'affraid' of the sun and heat, quickly went back down to the event area for Q&A and makan makan. Some remained on the deck to continue spotting.

 

 

 

Lastly, it is time for the event to come to an end. By 1200, most guest had left and the event crew started to pack up. Some spotters remained to spot in the afternoon.

 

 

On a side note. The Anjung Spotter opens from 0700 until 1900.

 

 

[Zamir 0]

Even since the observation hill was closed and being off limits to the public in the early 2000, plane spotting activity has been shunned away by the airport authorities. They do not recognize the hobby and they deemed it as 'a threat to the airport security'. It was rather bothersome to the spotters, where we had to 'duck and hide' behind bushes and oil palm trees whenever the 'bulis' in their 4wd with blue lightbar, patrolling around the airport perimeter road. We even tried to timed their patrolling schedule to avoid them.

 

There were also times where we had to come face to face with them. We had to show our identity cards for their 'record' purposes. Not all of them were 'bad cops'. Some were nice and allowed us to spot for a few more planes before asking us to leave. However, some unfriendly ones threatened us to leave immediately or face being escorted to their police station for further 'questioning'. In short, it was kind of a cat and mouse game that we had to endured for a few years.

 

Fast forward to today (17 June 19), the plane spotting environment has evolved for the better. It was a dream come true as Malaysia Airport opened their first purposely built observation deck called Anjung Spotter to the public and more importantly, to the plane spotters community. It is their commitment in elevating the airport experience among their guest, thus recognizing plane spotting as a healthy, inspiring and fun hobby.

I am glad to share with you some pictures of today's opening event.

 

Arrived at 0800. The staffs were rehearsing and doing final touch ups for the opening.

 

 

 

 

 

Some of the pictures contributed from spotters around Malaysia. This is not a permanent feature at the Anjung Spotter as it was taken away after the event.

 

 

Media registration. There were close to 80 guest, comprising of Airport and Airline staffs, RMAF personnel, Media and plane spotters.

 

Most of the VIPs and guest arrived between 0915 to 0945 and the event started about 1000 with a customary speech by MAHB CEO, Raja Azmi.

 

A rare sight where the two CEOs were 'in talking' terms.

 

RMAF was represented by Air Force Commander 1 Major General Datuk Zahani Zainal Abidin.

 

Anjung Spotter is officially opened.

 

(L-R) AirAsia GCEO Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, (MAHB) GCEO Raja Azmi Raja Nazuddin, (MAHB) Group Chairman Tan Sri Zainun Ali, RMAF Commander 1 Major General Datuk Zahani Zainal Abidin and MAHB COO Datuk Mohd Shukrie Mohd Salleh.

 

 

 

Everyone was 'affraid' of the sun and heat, quickly went back down to the event area for Q&A and makan makan. Some remained on the deck to continue spotting.

 

 

 

Lastly, it is time for the event to come to an end. By 1200, most guest had left and the event crew started to pack up. Some spotters remained to spot in the afternoon.

 

 

On a side note. The Anjung Spotter opens from 0700 until 1900.

 

 

Really nice coverage!. If the observation deck is closed at 7PM, then will the police chase us away since there is no gate or something blocking the entrance to the observation deck.

Edited June 17, 2019 by Zamir

[BC Tam 2]

I am so mightily impressed Tan Sri TF decided to be in attendance at launching of an observation deck in his neighbourhood, rather than the unveiling of Air Asia X's 330neo at Le Bourget

 

Plus, who in their wildest moments of imagination would ever have, well imagined, said Tan Sri ditching his trade mark red cap for one of MAHB's orange coloured head gear

(perhaps they are now done with their suing and counter-suing processes ?)

[Chaity 1]

Many thanks to Ah Ong for covering this important event for recognising plane spotters at last. You did sum up well in the first paragraph the challenges and frustrations most of us were facing during the olden days !

My wish is simple for all visitors to Anjung Spotter to up keep and maintain the place for all to enjoy in years to come.

[flee 5]

Thanks for the excellent report, King Spotter!

 

17 June 2019 is indeed a historic day as MAHB moves closer to its user base and customers. It is a good CSR project for MAHB to embark upon.

 

Lets hope that all users treasure the facility and keep it in good condition in the years to come.

[Prestley Shim 0]

Many thanks for the coverage, KS! I wonder what they do with the spotters' photos on display after the event..

[Vicknesh PS 0]

Thank you KS!

[Muhammad Firdaus 0]

This is definitely one historic moment for aviation enthusiasts in Malaysia. With the first official spotters deck opened, lets hope this initiative will be extended to other large airports such as PEN, SZB, BKI and KCH.

[Ja Singh 2]

Thanks ong for the amazing pictures.Sitting so far away from Malaysia,its nice to see whats happening there.Thank you again.

[Eddy Liew 0]

thanks for this post!

[T Azahan 1]

Cheers Ong bro. Wonderful sharing!

[Chaity 1]

For those new to this site, before you jump in joy to start your car or wanted to book your plane ticket here, read on post dated December 22 2019 by KS Ong to look at the recent development  -->http://www.malaysianwings.com/forum/index.php?/topic/21379-kul-32l-2019/page/2/#comments

Edited November 23, 2019 by Chaity

[Hakan 2]

I know I am late abit but this is wonderfull news...congratulations