Anwar gives green light to Miri Airport expansion to meet growing demand

MIRI (Sept 29): The federal government has given its approval to expand Miri Airport to accommodate the increasing number of tourists and travellers in the northern region.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim assured that the project will be expedited and will hold discussions with Transport Minister Anthony Loke and the Ministry of Finance on the matter.

He recalled that the last expansion for Miri Airport was way back during his time as Finance Minister and emphasised the need for further expansion to meet the growing demand.

He noted that the growth in tourism for this year compared to last year is almost 90 per cent, with Miri being among the tourism attractions in the country.

“Due to the new developments, it is only fitting that Miri Airport should be expanded.

“The issues we are facing now include flights and facilities, including the airport,” said Anwar during the state banquet held at a leading hotel here yesterday.

He emphasised that any announced project given priority must followed by swift implementation.

“For tendering process, we can fast track the process, of course with terms and conditions, and compete a project.

“The context of fast-tracking is to process it accordingly, but not delay it. I don’t want the old way of work, where it uses negotiated tender, which is problematic.

“The tendering process must abide by proper terms and conditions, but be made faster. The longer it delays, the cost will increase, causing burden to the people,” he said.

Anwar also said Malaysia must be more competitive, resilient and dynamic in order to seize opportunities arising from the growing foreign interest in the country.

“This arises from political stability, as mentioned by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

“We must acknowledge that the beginning of the Madani government had gone through many challenges because we inherited a system that was unstable and worrying.

“However, Sarawak and its leadership have shown a positive attitude in working together to develop the country, to become a successful and great nation in this region,” he said.

Anwar also stressed the importance of fostering good relationships with neighbouring countries and promoting trade.

“Malaysia is a trading nation, and as a trading nation, it is crucial for us to build good relationships with our neighbours in the region and internationally.

“A trading nation is different from other countries, but it will succeed through the ability of the country to foster relationships with everyone,” he added.

Also present were Abang Johari, Dewan Negara President Dato Awang Bemee Awang Ali Basah; State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar; Women, Family and Community Development Minister Dato Sri Nancy Shukri; Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail; Minister of Transport Sarawak Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin; Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar; State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki; as well as distinguished guests and dignitaries.