Federal govt approves Miri Airport expansion

MIRI: The federal government has given the green light to the upgrade and expansion of Miri Airport and will fast-track its implementation.

In stating this, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said while the facility is in good condition, further expansion is necessary to accommodate the rapid growth in tourism.

“It is appropriate for that expansion to be approved, especially given the growth in tourism this year compared to last year, with an increase of almost 90 percent.

“We have now become an attraction for tourism, but our challenges lie in flight availability and infrastructure, particularly at the airport,” he said.

He said this in his speech during the state banquet here  last night (Sept 29), in conjunction with his visit to this city.

Anwar (right) attends the state banquet. Also seen in the photo, Abang Johari (left).

He also called for immediate implementation of the approved project, stressing that any delays would result in returning to ‘square one’.

“The Minister of Transport, Anthony Loke, and the Ministry of Finance would provide full updates and collaborate to address the infrastructure needs,” he said.

Anwar also drew attention to the Tuaran Airport, which, despite being a smaller facility and not previously prioritised, has now become a key destination for tourists from Korea, Japan, and China.

On a related note, Anwar also mentioned that the country’s primary airport, Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), has suffered from inadequate future planning and maintenance.

“KLIA’s aerotrain has been left in disrepair for too long. Highly paid professionals in charge should have anticipated its lifespan and maintenance requirements.

“Due to this negligence, we are now forced to fast-track repairs, and I expect completion in a few months,” Anwar said.

In another development, Anwar has commended Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg for leading the charge in enhancing English proficiency while maintaining Bahasa Malaysia as the national language in the state.

“And that’s consistent with our policy, because we have to be more competitive. And as a trading nation, we must do whatever is necessary, including mastery of languages.

“This includes the mastery of Chinese language that is growing as an important economic language in this region,” said Anwar.