MIRI: The long-awaited expansion of the Miri Airport Terminal has finally been approved, with a total project cost of RM445 million.
Sarawak Minister for Transport, Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, said the approval marks a significant development that will bring substantial benefits to the tourism, trade and local economic sectors.
“This project is crucial in strengthening Miri’s position as the main tourism gateway to northern Sarawak while supporting the state’s economic growth,” he said.
He said this when met at a Hari Gawai open house held at the residence of former Miri City Council (MBM) councillor, Kijan Toynbee, here on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Dato Sri Lee revealed that the construction of an additional lane dedicated to Malaysian vehicles at the Sungai Tujoh Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security Complex (ICQS), funded by the Sarawak Government at a cost of RM4 million, has been completed and is now operational.
According to him, the implementation of a separate lane system for Malaysian and Bruneian vehicles has resulted in significantly fewer complaints regarding traffic congestion during this year’s Gawai celebrations compared to previous years.
Dato Sri Lee, who is also the Senadin Assemblyman, expressed his appreciation to the Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, for approving several major development projects that are expected to have a substantial impact on the economic growth of Miri and the northern interior regions of Sarawak.
Among the projects, he said, is the ongoing Kuala Baram deepening project, which will enable vessels of up to 5,000 tonnes to dock directly at Miri Port once the first phase is completed.
He explained that the second phase of the project will extend the shipping channel further out to sea, allowing Miri Port to develop into a deep-sea port capable of boosting both trade and tourism activities.
“Once these facilities are fully completed, international cruise ships will have the potential to berth in Miri, bringing more tourists to visit various attractions such as Mulu National Park and Niah National Park,” he said. -UKASnews
