MIRI: The recently approved Miri Airport expansion project will be carried out with a budget of RM150 million, according to Transport Minister Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin.
He said the approval marks a significant step forward for the long-delayed project, which has been a pressing issue since 2017.
Lee emphasised the need for the airport’s expansion, citing its current passenger capacity of only 2 million per year, which is insufficient to meet growing demands.
“In 2019 alone, passenger numbers reached nearly 2.5 million, surpassing the airport’s capacity. This expansion is crucial to accommodate current and future needs,” he said when met by reporters here today (Sept 29).
He revealed that discussions had been ongoing with the federal government for several years, with the Sarawak government pushing for the project to be prioritised.
Although the project had been previously announced and approved, it had not been implemented until now.
“We have had numerous discussions with Transport Minister Anthony Loke, and this year, the allocation was finally included in the budget. The Miri Airport terminal expansion will be implemented next year, and the necessary allocation for 2025 has been secured,” Lee added.
Lee also pointed out the significance of the expansion, noting that it would improve the airport’s facilities and prepare it for international flights in the future.
He expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim for reaffirming the federal government’s commitment to the project.
Additionally, Lee mentioned that Sarawak has submitted a proposal for the enhancement of facilities at Kuching International Airport, with a total allocation of RM71 million being sought from the federal government in collaboration with Malaysia Airports Sdn Bhd.
