13th January, 2013
SANDAKAN: The Federal Government has allocated RM70 million to upgrade the Sandakan Airport, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Kong Cho Ha said.
Speaking to reporters after visiting the airport here yesterday, Kong said works were expected to be completed in 18 months.
“These will include repair and upgrading works,” he said adding that the design plans were almost done.
Malaysia Airports Berhad (MAB) has given its input on how to improve the conditions of the airport for the convenience of travelers, he said.
Among the sections involved include the terminal, baggage handling, mechanical and electrical and building a central utility building.
“The terminal area will increase by 3,000 sq metres with more room for departing and transiting travelers,” he said.
Kong also said that there would be more parking bays at the airport which will have centralized air-conditioning.
“We understand the importance of upgrading the airport as Sandakan is an important eco-tourism getaway,” he said adding that most visitors entered the district via air.
According to him, the government would want to see Sabah to join the country in its transformation.
Sandakan airport handled about 820,000 travelers last year, an increase of 5.8 per cent compared to the previous year.
By 2020, if the airport is not upgraded, it would not be able to handle the increasing number of passengers, he added.
Kong is accompanied by his deputy Datuk Abdul Rahim Bakri and deputy minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, Datuk Liew Vui Keong, who is also Sandakan MP and MAB managing director Tan Sri Bashir Ahmad.
Source: New Sabah Times
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