By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, May 27: The time has come for the federal government to grant Sarawak autonomy in managing its airports by decentralising Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) to enable better management of these crucial infrastructures and allowing for tailored improvements and investments to address the specific needs of the region.
Minister of Transport (MOT) Sarawak Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin has expressed strong support for this proposal, highlighting its potential to drive regional growth, job creation, and the development of local expertise, which in turn will contribute to a more balanced national aviation sector and a prosperous future for Sarawak.
Sarawak, with its expansive land area, houses seven airports, including Kuching International Airport (KIA), as well as airports in Sibu, Bintulu, Miri, Limbang, Mulu, Mukah, and ten active Short Take-Off and Landing (STOL) airports in rural areas for subsidised rural air services (RAS).
“Decentralisation offers a unique opportunity for Sarawak to assume control over these airports and STOLports. Moreover, KIA and Miri Airport are in urgent need of upgrading.
“Establishing a Sarawak-based airport management entity will enable us to prioritise investments in expanding KIA, positioning it as a gateway to Borneo and an international hub. Similarly, the long-overdue upgrading of Miri Airport is essential for supporting the growth of our eco-tourism and trade sectors,” he said in a statement following a meeting with MAHB in Sepang, Kuala Lumpur last Friday (May 24).
The proposal to decentralise MAHB, supported by federal Minister of Transport Anthony Loke and Khazanah Nasional Berhad, will not involve selling the government’s stake in MAHB to external parties, ensuring the retention of strategic assets under national control, according to Lee.
In line with the ongoing Sarawak Integrated Transport Masterplan Study (SITMP) and the establishment of the Sarawak Transport Authority (STA), he revealed that his Ministry is exploring proposals for a regional authority to oversee the entire transportation sector in Sarawak.
“This comprehensive approach will bolster our capacity to develop a robust and integrated transport network tailored to Sarawak’s needs.
“It includes cultivating a skilled workforce in airport and aviation management, fostering regional development, and enhancing revenue generation for Sarawak,” he added.
During the meeting, MAHB Group CEO Mohamed Rastam Sahrom presented a proposal to the Ministry of Transport Malaysia for upgrading KIA from 2025 to 2040 in phases, with the aim of increasing the airport’s capacity from five million passengers per annum (MPPA) to 14 MPPA, and Miri Airport’s capacity from two MPPA to four MPPA in the next rolling plan.
Discussions also covered upgrading the existing cargo terminal and facilities at KIA and enhancing international air connectivity to Sarawak airports.
MAHB assured its close collaboration with the MOT Sarawak and Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) to enhance international air connectivity.
Mohamed Rastam also proposed that the Sarawak government support certain areas of air service incentives to attract airlines. — DayakDaily
