MIRI (BORNEO POST): The Miri Airport is in urgent need of a comprehensive master plan to expand its facilities in order to accommodate the increasing number of passengers, stated Sarawak Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin.
Highlighting the current situation, Lee mentioned that although the airport was initially designed to accommodate a maximum of two million passengers, it exceeded this capacity in 2019 with 2.434 million passengers. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the numbers rebounded to 2.201 million passengers last year, with projections indicating further growth in 2024.
Emphasising the critical need for infrastructure development, Lee expressed concerns about Miri’s ability to attract visitors if the airport facilities fail to meet the demands of higher passenger traffic.
In response to this pressing issue, Lee urged the Ministry of Transport Malaysia to formulate a long-term master plan for the overall upgrade and expansion of Miri Airport.
While awaiting the development of the master plan, Lee revealed that an optimisation plan proposed by Miri Airport Management is already underway to address immediate passenger concerns. This plan includes the rehabilitation of existing aerobridges and pavement, as well as the addition of another bay with additional aerobridges.
During his visit to Miri Airport, Lee inspected the progress of rehabilitation works on Bay 3 pavement, which commenced last month with an allocated budget of MYR1.4 million.
Despite the logistical challenges of nighttime construction, the rehabilitation works are progressing swiftly, with completion scheduled for November 2024. Following this, the tendering process for new aerobridges, estimated at MYR2 million, will commence.
Lee acknowledged the inconvenience caused to passengers during the construction phase and urged for their patience as the optimisation plan progresses. The plan also encompasses the expansion of the airport departure area and other essential infrastructure, with a timeline set until 2030.
Looking ahead, Lee stressed the necessity of a long-term development plan beyond 2030 to ensure the continued growth and sustainability of Miri Airport.
Furthermore, Lee disclosed that his ministry has been advocating for the approval of a previously proposed upgrading plan, amounting to MYR258 million, which includes the construction of a multi-storey car park and extension of the terminal building. He expressed hope that this long-term plan will be endorsed and incorporated into the 13th Malaysia Plan.
