KOTA KINABALU: Sabah is interested in taking over the management of the Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) due to the prolonged lack of action in addressing issues at the airport. State Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Christina Liew expressed the view that the state government should explore the possibility of assuming control of the management in light of unresolved complaints.
Liew pointed out that issues at the KKIA, such as lighting, air-conditioning, toilets, baggage trolleys, carousels, and public announcement (PA) system, have not been adequately dealt with. Furthermore, the designated spaces for food outlets at the airport have not been fully utilized, as per Liew.
She suggested that a state-owned company or a government-linked company (GLC) take over the management to ensure more efficient and effective services and user-friendly facilities at the KKIA. Liew emphasized the urgency of this decision, stating that a reputable airport management service provider would be crucial in achieving this goal.
Liew emphasized that Sabah has been waiting for improvements to be made at the KKIA for too long without any significant progress. She deemed it unacceptable for an international airport, especially the second largest in the country, to have subpar facilities.
She highlighted the embarrassment caused by insufficient and below par services or facilities when thousands of tourists arrive in Sabah. Liew expressed concerns that the airport will soon reach its maximum capacity at the current rate of tourism growth, having reached its maximum capacity of nine million passengers in 2019 before the pandemic.
Liew stressed the urgent need for refurbishment and expressed disappointment that the repeated requests for upgrading works on the airport from her ministry have not been handled properly. She mentioned that Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor has acknowledged the pressing need to improve the KKIA facilities.
She hopes that both the state and federal governments will follow up on the calls to upgrade the present KKIA terminal, considering the increasing number of domestic and international visitor arrivals to Sabah. She also mentioned the Prime Minister’s consideration of an additional terminal for KKIA, though the state is looking at relocating the airport to either south western Kimanis or northern Tuaran area.
Liew supported the proposed relocation to Tuaran, emphasizing that it is about 40km from the state capital and offers natural beach and a five-star international resort hotel. She also noted that Tuaran has been identified as an ideal location based on public feedback and travelers’ reviews.
