MIRI: The Miri Airport upgrading and expansion project is moving forward, with the tender process being accelerated and construction expected to begin by the end of this year.
Transport Minister Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin said the long-awaited project has received official approval with an allocation of RM445 million.
He said the project is expected to become one of the key infrastructure developments that will have a major impact on the growth of Miri and northern Sarawak.
He said an earlier allocation of RM150 million had been approved, but assessments and detailed studies later found that the amount was insufficient to accommodate the airport’s expansion needs, facility upgrades and future development plans.
“Our department has undertaken extensive efforts together with various agencies through very detailed assessments and studies to ensure the overall planning meets long-term development needs,” he said in an UKAS report after inspecting operations and new facilities at the Sungai Tujoh ICQS Complex here recently.
He said the Miri Airport upgrading project had been pursued for a long time and its implementation now brings renewed hope to residents and the local economic sector.
He added that Miri Airport plays an important role as the main air transport hub in northern Sarawak as well as a key link for Rural Air Services (RAS).
As such, he said efforts to upgrade existing facilities are crucial to accommodate the increasing number of passengers and meet future development needs.
He also stressed that his ministry would continue to closely monitor the progress of the project as it is vital to economic development, transport connectivity and Miri’s overall progress.
