KOTA KINABALU: Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) is set for a major upgrade to accommodate 12 million passengers annually, said Transport Minister Anthony Loke today.
He said a proposal will be presented to the cabinet for approval on Friday.
"KKIA is incredibly congested, handling nearly nine million passengers per year.
"In the first half of this year alone, we've already seen four million passengers, and we're on track to reach eight million by year's end.
"Before the Covid-19 pandemic, we reached 9.4 million passengers," said the DAP secretary-general during the Sabah DAP party ordinary convention at the Sabah International Convention Centre here.
He added that the upgrade would also look into possible terminal expansion, multi-level parking and commercial areas, similar to KLIA 2's gateway concept.
"Aircraft parking will also be increased."
He added that the upgrade of the airport here and in Tawau was necessary as the tourism industry is crucial for Sabah's economy.
Loke also assured that the estimated project cost, which is expected to be in the hundreds of million ringgit, would be borne by Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad.
Once approved, the project is expected to start next year.