KUCHING: The Miri International Airport is an aging facility that requires greater attention to upkeep its system and overall infrastructure, especially to resume operations after a long lull period from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Sebastian Ting said in addition, terminal expansion and optimisation are crucial, especially with the oil and gas industry in Miri expected to continue to grow this year.
“As the airport operator, the Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) should take all the feedback positively and act proactively,” he said during a visit to the airport yesterday (Feb 2) after several feedback regarding the airport was shared on social media.
Ting has been informed that the Miri International Airport had put in place some major and minor refurbishment plans including the replacement of a passenger boarding bridge to rectify the problematic bridge at Bay 2 by third quarter this year and to replace the carpets at the passenger boarding bridge with proper tiling.
MAHB is also offering bussing service as to further promote rural area travelling and assist the elderly passengers in the airport while repainting works on the ceilings, internal walls and high rise areas will be carried out immediately.
The deputy minister said he has also specifically requested the airport to allocate a resting area with covered shelter for the taxi or tourist bus and van drivers as well as the reconfiguration of the departure lounge to cater for larger crowds during peak hours or seasons.
He said the asset replacement programme involving aircraft parking aprons and CCTV (closed-circuit television) is scheduled to be completed this year.
“The airport management should closely monitor the maintenance of lifts and escalators to minimise breakdowns,” he added.Ting said Sarawak is targeting three
million arrivals and RM7. 25 billion in tourism receipts in 2023, thus, all stakeholders must work together with the Sarawak government to boost the industry.
