KUCHING: Kuching International Airport (KIA) is undergoing RM57.9 million worth of improvement projects aimed at boosting its cargo handling capacity, enhancing passenger amenities, and upgrading overall service standards by 2026.
The works include a RM2.5 million expansion of MASKargo’s warehouse facility, a RM50.8 million facility upgrade, and a RM4.6 million cargo parking area, along with other enhancements to improve both domestic and international operations.
The RM2.5 million expansion, fully funded by MASKargo, will increase the warehouse size from 33,000 to 45,000 square feet, enabling more efficient shipment processing, and is expected to be completed by April 2026.
Minister for Transport Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin said the initiative followed engagement with local logistics and forwarding associations two years ago, where industry players raised concerns over congestion at KIA’s cargo facilities.
“Following discussions with stakeholders, the ministry liaised with relevant agencies to find solutions, and this expansion is a key outcome,” he said in a statement after visiting the site recently.
The visit followed a meeting last year with Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) management, during which Lee highlighted several issues raised by airport and cargo facility users.
“We welcome MASKargo’s expansion initiative and will do our part to ensure the airport meets both local and global expectations,” he added.
From January to May this year, KIA handled 22.56 million kilogrammes of cargo, with 90.3 per cent being domestic and 9.7 per cent international, supported by carriers such as AirAsia, Malaysia Airlines, Raya Airways, Kargo Xpress, World Cargo Airlines, and My Indo Airlines.
The airport also recorded 18,872 aircraft movements during the same period, comprising 91 per cent domestic and nine per cent international flights, including cargo, private jets, chartered, and ferry services.
The RM50.8 million facility upgrade, scheduled for completion by December 2025, involves the installation of new sliding doors, extensive retiling, the second phase of toilet refurbishment, refurbishment of prayer rooms, and upgrades to air-handling units and chillers.
Meanwhile, the RM4.6 million cargo parking area, targeted for completion in the first quarter of 2026, will provide spaces for trucks, cars, and motorcycles, along with support facilities such as toilets and waste disposal zones.
Other ongoing projects include the construction of family-friendly amenities such as a new nursing room and children’s play zones, retiling works at the International Departure Level 3, kerbside congestion management upgrades, the creation of a designated waiting and drop-off area for e-hailing services, and plans for a visual icon wall to promote Kuching’s identity as a destination and serve as a photo landmark.
Although KIA is under federal jurisdiction, Lee reiterated the Sarawak government’s commitment to working closely with federal agencies and aviation stakeholders to deliver excellence in airport services.
