Address lack of lighting issue at KIA — Stampin MP
KUCHING: The government is urged to immediately address the issue of insufficient lighting around Kuching International Airport ( KIA) which has caused great inconvenience to the people and increased the risk of criminal activities.
Stampin MP Julian Tan and his assistant Dr Kelvin Yii said they had gone to inspect the lighting conditions around the airport after receiving complaints from the public.
In a press statement received here yesterday, Tan said they found out that the airport and the surrounding areas needed to be well-illuminated for the convenience of the people especially the elderly.
“There is also a lack of proper lighting and illumination at the airport parking area, which increases the risk of crimes being committed within the vicinity.
“Airport security is a big concern around the world. It has become a big issue in Malaysia too especially now with the existence of militant treats.”
Adequate lighting, Tan added would greatly help security personnel in terms of situation awareness and therefore discourage any criminal attempts.
Tan said KIA was the only international airport in the whole of Sarawak, thus safety measures should be taken more seriously.
“A careful analysis of lighting requirements is vital. I think the brightness of lighting at KIA is not up to standard compared to other international airports.”
Apart from lighting at the airport and the parking areas Tan also highlighted the need for centerline lighting at the runway to adhere to the proper guidelines.
“This is important to assist the aircraft during landing especially during low visibility and when encountering heavy crosswind.”
Tan said he had also received feedback from several pilots, especially during last year’s haze, whereby the lack of centerline lighting on the runway had increased the difficulty to position the aircraft for touchdown.
“I have brought up the urgent need of runway centerline lighting in parliament last year. I will continue to do so until the matter is addressed as this concerns the safety of the public.”