Upgrading of airports given priority
KOTA KINABALU: The State government is still giving priority to improving and upgrading airports, including the one in Tawau, despite feeling the brunt of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai said the Federal government through the Ministry of Transport is carrying out a National Airports Strategic Plan (NASP) study which is expected to be finalized in September 2023.
He said the results of the study will assist the government in determining future plans for airports, including Tawau airport more clearly and effectively based on evidence-based planning.
According to Joniston, while planning the development program for the Twelfth Malaysia Plan in 2020, Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) has carried out a Tawau Airport Master Plan Study to identify the long-term needs of Tawau airport up to the year 2050. Based on this study, MAHB had proposed that the Tawau airport be upgraded from handling 1.5 million passengers a year to 2.5 million passengers annually.
“However, the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic has had a negative impact on the country’s aviation industry. In connection to this, airlines are expected to need a period of time up to 2025 to fully recover, which is subject to the current situation of the outbreak both domestically and abroad.
“In 2020 and 2021, the number of passengers at Tawau airport has shown a decrease to 0.5 million and 0.4 million, respectively, compared to 2019 which recorded 1.8 million. Based on the latest passenger statistics, Tawau airport passenger handling capacity today is still able to meet the needs of existing demand.
“Even though the Covid-19 pandemic has had a negative impact on the country’s aviation industry, the State government through my ministry always monitors the need for improvement and upgrading of airports in the State,” he said.
Joniston said this in response to questions by Sri Tanjong assemblyman Justin Wong Yung bin and Kukusan assemblywoman Rina binti Haji Jainal during the State Legislative Assembly sitting on Monday.