KUALA LUMPUR: The Cabinet has approved a RM442.3mil upgrade of Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA), says Anthony Loke.
The Transport Minister said the cost will be borne by Malaysia Airport Holdings Berhad (MAHB), which will also be in charge of the works.
He said the pre-construction phase would begin later this year and is expected to be completed by 2027, taking a maximum of 48 months.
“MAHB will use an investment recovery model for this project (and) recover its costs through a mechanism that will be announced later.
“This could include a possible reduction of airport user fees paid to the government,” he told a press conference at the Parliament building here on Wednesday (Nov 13).
Among the upgrades is an expansion of the primary terminal, increased capacity to 12 million passengers per year, as well as new facilities including a multi-tier car park and seven new parking spaces for aircraft, he added.
KKIA’s supporting infrastructure will also see upgrades including the roads around the airport.
Green energy sources such as solar panels will be used, and rainwater catchment areas introduced.
Loke said the airport’s efficiency will also be increased with the incorporation of advanced technology and automation through Airport 4.0.
“The airport saw over 9.4 million passengers in 2019, which exceeded its capacity, before the Covid-19 pandemic hit.
"The number has climbed back to 6.6 million passengers as of October this year.
“(The government is committed) to not only meet current demand but also accommodate future traffic, with KKIA being the second busiest airport in the country,” he said.
He also gave an assurance that there would not be any closures or service disruptions during the two-year upgrade period.
He added that his ministry was also looking to upgrade other airports across the country using the same investment recovery model.
“The airports in Tawau, Miri and Ipoh are considered to be next.
“They serve as key transportation assets to be upgraded to avoid the risk of congested airports and maximise economic returns for the country,” he said.
