KUCHING: Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) has been urged to improve the image and facilties of the Kuching International Airport (KIA), especially at its international departure hall.
Sarawak Transport Minister Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin said he had instructed MAHB, to look into the cleanliness and facilities at the KIA, as well as to consider refurnishing the passenger terminals, including repainting or redecorating the area.
Apart from that, he said, the airport must be equipped or upgraded with better facilities for travellers to relax before their flight.
“We want to have more mobile or pushcart kiosks at the departure hall, offering food and beverages as well as duty free products,” he said when contacted today.
Earlier in a press statement, Lee said, according to the MAHB, the percentage of the international passengers in KIA is too small, thus, they could not find any interested vendors to service the area.
“But, we have urged them to address the issue as airports are an essential part of the air transport system,” he said.
“Airports play a vital role not only within the macro environment of transportation but provide local businesses with access to the global market.”
“They help retain and attract business to a community and thus provide jobs and economic prosperity to the community,” he added.
Lee said he had led an engagement with the relevant government agencies, airlines, association and business chambers from the logistic and air transport industry on Wednesday, to tackle issues related to airports and short take-off and landing airports (STOLport) facilities and safety in Sarawak.
Among the points highlighted during the engagement at the cargo terminal were the limited parking spaces for lorries, where the roads needed to be widened, as well as the office for customs clearance and warehouse area, which were small and cramped.
Hence, Lee had asked the Customs Department, Pos Aviation Sdn Bhd and Raya Airways to put up proposals for their warehouses and office requirements to MAHB and his ministry for further action with the related stakeholders.
He said the engagement or visit to the airport was a follow-up to the Sarawak Transport Committee Meeting, which was held on July 8.
The minister and other freight forwarding agencies’ representatives also visited the KIA cargo terminal, MASkargo warehouse and Customs Department office which are adjacent to the main KIA terminal building.
Lee said an active engagement among the agencies and industry players were encouraged by his ministry as this would help to resolve ground issues and most importantly to move forward in cargo development and strategies for airports in Sarawak.
“A safe and efficient aviation ecosystem allow both existing and new business to succeed and thus increase a community’s tax base,” he added.
