Greater things to come: Dr Wee (centre) visiting the expanded runway at Sandakan Airport after its launch with Bung Moktar (second from left) and Wong (second from right). — Bernama
PETALING JAYA: The Sandakan airport runway expansion will improve capabilities and encourage more commercial flights to the town, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong says.
Dr Wee, who officiated the expansion yesterday, said it was a much-needed boost for the airport.
“A transport system is not just about providing connectivity and accessibility but also to create more job opportunities which contributes to a nation’s development and progress.
“Indeed, the government appreciates the value in enhancing the capabilities of Sandakan airport with a boost of RM80.9mil, most of it to extend the runway from 2,133m to 2,500m.
“With this extension, Sandakan airport will be able to accommodate Code C aircraft without weight limitation, and up to six hours’ flight time. This will indirectly encourage more commercial aircraft to fly direct to Sandakan and increase domestic and international tourism as well as boost the economy,” he said in a Facebook post.
With the extension, it is projected that the airport can accommodate 83 flights per week to Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu, Tawau, and Lahad Datu, bringing greater connectivity to the region.
He added that the government had also approved the improvement of air traffic management via the installation of Primary Surveillance Radar/Secondary Surveillance Radar (PSR/SSR) and Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B).
“This is included as a part of an overall improvement to the Kota Kinabalu Flight Information Region scope of work to enhance the air traffic management systems for Sabah and Sarawak.
“The runway extension project also includes widening the airport apron and upgrading navigational aids such as precision approach lights, instrument landing system/glide path and precision approach path indicator,” he said.
Also present at the event were Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, Malaysia Airports chairman Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir, Mavcom executive chairman Datuk Seri Saripuddin Kasim and Sandakan MP Vivian Wong Shir Yee.
