KUCHING: Continuous improvements and upgrades are being carried out at Kuching International Airport (KIA) following public feedback to enhance passenger comfort, accessibility, and the overall travel experience.
Transport Minister Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin Lee said that over the past two to three years, he has chaired several meetings with Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) in Kuching to address areas requiring improvement, based largely on complaints and feedback received from airport users.
“The most common complaint has been the condition of the toilets. I am happy that steps have already been taken to renovate them.
“Facilities are being upgraded across all airports,” he told reporters after a working visit to KIA today (Jan 21).
Another key concern raised was unclear signage, particularly in the immigration area.
Lee said visibility had previously been poor, making it difficult for passengers to see directions from a distance.
“That has now improved with new blue-and-white signage, which is much clearer, and electronic boards displaying flight arrivals and departures have also been upgraded to improve visibility for passenger convenience,” he said.
Lee also addressed complaints about excessive heat in certain areas of the terminal, especially at boarding gates.
He added that tinted glass panels with up to 75 per cent tinting were installed about two weeks ago, which has helped reduce heat and improve comfort for passengers.
Additional improvements planned for this year include the establishment of a children’s corner at Level 3 near Starbucks, as well as the installation of iconic wall features at Levels 1 and 3 for passengers waiting for arrivals and departures.
In response to feedback regarding e-hailing services, Lee said MAHB has constructed designated waiting areas for passengers using services such as Grab.
Looking ahead, Lee said similar concepts are being incorporated into the Miri Airport Extension project, which will include dedicated e-hailing waiting and queuing areas supported by electronic display systems to notify passengers when their vehicles arrive.
“With more passengers now using e-hailing services, it’s important that we provide proper facilities. In Miri, for example, we have planned a designated waiting area for e-hailing cars as well as a queuing area for passengers,” he said.
While acknowledging that KIA has space limitations, Lee said efforts will continue to improve facilities through close collaboration with MAHB.
“We want to make Kuching Airport as seamless as possible. The ministry will put up proposals for these improvements, and whatever facilities are available at KLIA, I think we should also enjoy the same here,” he said.
