KUCHING: The Sarawak Government welcomes the 2026 Budget to upgrade Miri Airport, paving the way for the long-awaited expansion project to commence next year.
Transport Minister, Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin, said the upgrading is timely and necessary, as Miri Airport serves as the hub for Rural Air Services (RAS) in Sarawak, and remains Malaysia’s busiest domestic airport, operating five airlines including AirBorneo.
He said the expansion will enhance operational capacity and support the State’s growing air traffic, in line with the Sarawak Government’s vision of strengthening regional connectivity and boosting tourism under the Sarawak Transport Master Plan.
“This upgrading is crucial not only for passenger comfort but also for the continued growth of Sarawak’s air connectivity and logistics sector, particularly for the northern region,” he said.
Lee also welcomed the inclusion of Sungai Tujoh Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) complex in Miri in the list of projects approved for upgrading under the 2026 Federal Budget.
He asserted that the upgrading reflects the federal government’s recognition of the strategic importance of Sungai Tujoh as a northern land gateway for Sarawak, linking Malaysia and Brunei.
“I have discussed this matter directly with the Minister of Home Affairs, Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, when he was in Miri with the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
“I told them we need a complete upgrade to cater for Sungai Tujoh ICQS because it is a very important gateway. In fact, it’s the northern gateway by road to Sarawak,” he added.
Lee, who is the Senadin Assemblyman, stressed that the upgrading will help improve efficiency and security at the border, given the growing number of visitors and the increasing volume of goods crossing between Sarawak and Brunei.
On the same note, he commended the federal government’s move to provide subsidies for heavy vehicle companies to install Speed Limiter Devices (SLDs) on their fleets.
He said the initiative would encourage more operators to equip their vehicles with SLDs, enhancing road safety and reducing the risk of accidents involving heavy vehicles.
“This move will not only improve the safety of heavy vehicles on our roads but also help ease the financial burden faced by transport companies in complying with new safety requirements,” he said.
Lee further expressed hope that the BUDI95 targeted petrol subsidy scheme would be expanded to include Sarawak’s boat communities, particularly those in riverine and coastal areas who depend on water transport for their daily livelihood.
“This will help ease their burden and support their economic activities, especially in the rural and interior regions of Sarawak,” he said.
