KKIA urgently needs an upgrade, Hajiji tells Loke

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah has told the Federal Government that Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) needs urgent upgrades amid surging tourist arrivals.

Chief Minister Datuk Hajiji Noor highlighted the issue to Transport Minister Anthony during a meeting at Menara Kinabalu here on Thursday (Jan 25).

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According to a statement issued by the Chief Minister's Office on Friday (Jan 26), they discussed improving services at the airport as well as upgrading it.

"It is imperative that the facilities and services at KKIA be improved and upgraded as it is the second busiest airport in the country," the statement quoted Hajiji as saying.

The issue of upgrading KKIA or moving it to a larger facility in the neighbouring districts of Tuaran or Kimanis has been discussed following numerous complaints about the services and poor facilities that are unable to cope with higher passenger volumes.

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Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the government was prepared to build a new terminal to meet increasing arrivals at KKIA..

Hajiji had also said there was no immediate need to move KKIA as the current facility could be in service for another decade at least.