By Jaythaleela K
MIRI, Dec 20: Miri Airport’s Apron Bay No. 2 is currently undergoing pavement rehabilitation to improve and provide reliable services for the public and stakeholders.
According to Minister of Transport Sarawak Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin today after chairing a meeting with Malaysia Airports Sdn Bhd (MAB) at a conference room in Miri Airport, the physical work would require Bay No.2 to be closed for 10 months until August 2023.
“The pavement assessment, design and documentation has been embarked on November (2022), while the physical pavement rehabilitation works on 23 apron pavement slabs will start on February next year,” he told local media.
Lee pointed out, that since the pavement was constructed in 1985, it never been undergone any rehabilitation.
Hence, he added, rehabilitation work is urgently needed to ensure the pavement’s serviceability for many more years to come.
“The pavement condition at Bay No.2 has shown major distress such as cracks, loose stones and uneven surface. This may potentially become hazards to aircraft,” he explained.
Lee said to ensure the rehabilitation work goes smoothly without disrupting aircraft operation, his ministry would continuously engage and work closely with the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) and airlines in terms of bay allocation especially during peak hours and to cater special passengers’ needs.
“We have two bays with passenger boarding bridge (Bay No. 3 and No.4) and open bays to meet demand during operating hours,” he said.
Lee stressed that Miri Airport needs upgrading to cater the increase in flights coming to Miri.
“We will continue pursue for another terminal building and multi-carparks, of which plans were made 10 years ago…and I hope these plans can be re-instated under the new unity government,” hebsaid.
Another ongoing project involves acquiring a new airport radar system which costs about RM28 million.
This project would be completed end of November next year.
Lee disclosed that an arrangement to meet with the newly appointed Minister of Transport Malaysia, Anthony Loke would be made, to discuss the upgrading of Miri Airport and this includes the plan to construct another terminal building.
“We would compile (a list of) all these upgrading projects to be submitted to Minister of Transport Malaysia,” he said. — DayakDaily
