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MIRI, 8 Oct: Miri Airport should not only be upgraded with modern facilities but also be able to highlight the identity and cultural heritage of Miri and Sarawak to visitors.
Sarawak Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin said the RM445 million Miri Airport upgrade project should be fully utilized to create a modern, functional terminal with its own identity.
"Over the years, our focus has been on getting projects upgraded to Miri Airport. Today, the question is different. The upgrade project is underway and now we need to determine the type of airport we want", he said in a statement, today.
According to him, the project which was approved in April this year with a ceiling cost of RM445 million is expected to double the annual passenger handling capacity of the airport from about two million to four million.
Meanwhile, the proposal to upgrade Miri Airport was initially submitted in 2016 at an estimated cost of RM285 million, but was not continued at that time.
However, he clarified that efforts to get the project continued through several Federal Government administrations and Transport Ministers, including Dato Sri Dr Wee Ka Siong as well as the current Transport Minister, Anthony Loke.
According to him, in 2023, a delegation of the Sarawak Ministry of Transport (MOTS) headed by him met with Anthony Loke to discuss the proposed upgrade.
"The Federal Government has changed and the Federal Minister of Transport has also changed, but the need to upgrade Miri Airport hasn't changed. So is my determination to continue this endeavor for Miri", he said.
In related developments, Miri is the gateway to Mulu, Kelabit Highlands, Baram and Orang Ulu countryside rich in bead art traditions, weaving, music, crafting as well as cultural motifs.
He said the elements could be used as inspiration in the design of the terminal interior to allow visitors to recognize Sarawak's unique identity once they arrive at the airport.
At the same time, highlighted cultural elements should be presented accurately and respectfully, including taking into account the origin and meaning behind each of these elements.
"Other airports have their own stories. Miri Airport must also tell our own story", he said.
In addition, he welcomed the involvement of the Malaysian Department of Public Works (JKR) in a MOTS coordinated round table session with local cultural associations, art activists and craft entrepreneurs.
He also encouraged the parties to explore the use of traditional craftsmanship, works of art and interactive technologies in terminal interior design.
At the same time, Lee hopes that local art activists and craft entrepreneurs are given the opportunity to contribute their expertise, ensuring the upgraded terminal remains safe, efficient, accessible and comfortable for passengers.
"It's not just decorating an airport. It's about how we want Miri and Northern Sarawak to introduce ourselves to the world", he said.
The interactive program, which runs from 7 to 9 October in Miri and Kuching, also includes visits to Sarawak Cultural Village and the Borneo Museum of Culture to give exposure to project teams on Sarawak's cultural heritage.
Following the programme are representatives of the Malaysian Ministry of Transport, JKR Malaysia, management of Miri Airport as well as officials of the Sarawak Ministry of Transport. - TVS
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