KUCHING: Transport Minister (MOTS) Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin convened a crucial meeting with key stakeholders from the aviation and transport sectors to improve logistical operations at the Sarawak’s airports.
The meeting included representatives from the Sarawak Forwarding Agencies Association, Sarawak Lorries Transport Association, Federation of Sarawak Lorries Association, cargo airlines such as Maskargo, MJets, and Raya Airways, ground handler Pos Aviation, the Royal Customs Department of Malaysia, Malaysia Airports Sdn Bhd (MASB), and the MOTS.
MOTS was represented by Deputy Permanent Secretary Selamat Jati Yanjah, Aviation Technical Advisor Sio Yew Hua and Head of Aviation Division Zulkarnain Rosli.
“The dialogue focused on addressing critical issues at Kuching International Airport and other regional facilities, such as inadequate storage space with no cold rooms, narrow road access, insufficient parking for lorries and security concerns.
“The meeting illuminated ongoing and future initiatives aimed at resolving these challenges. Notably, Maskargo, a division of Malaysia Aviation Group, has confirmed that it will expand its facilities to a total of 71,000 square feet, with works beginning this August.
“Additionally, Pos Aviation was allocated extra space at the former MASB Engineering Depot to alleviate space constraints. Meanwhile, Raya Airways reported that their current storage space meets their needs,” said the MOT in a statement today (May 10).
Lee urged MASB to prioritise widening the road access to the cargo terminal, which is also essential for emergency access to the CAAM Air Traffic Control Centre and Tower.
“Improvement to the designated lorry parking area needs to be expedited to avoid illegal roadside parking that causes congestion along the access road,” it said.
He also emphasised the need to upgrade the main terminal at Kuching International Airport (KIA), reminding MASB of the airport’s role as a gateway into Sarawak.
Meanwhile, Malaysia Airports has identified all the toilets at KIA that require improvement and upgrading. A tender will be called in June 2024 to completely renovate all toilets at Kuching International Airport, with completion slated for the last quarter of 2025.
Further discussions included a request for an extension of the cargo warehouse at Bintulu Airport, along with a modification of the roof truss to prevent birds from perching and affecting the cleanliness of the facility.
These enhancements are part of a broader commitment to improving the infrastructure and services at Sarawak’s airports, ensuring they meet current and future demands.
