PETALING JAYA: The Sandakan airport runway expansion will improve its capabilities and encourage more commercial flights to the district, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong (pic).

       The Transport Minister, who officiated the expansion on Sunday (June 12), said this was a much-needed boost for the airport.

       "A transport system is not just about providing connectivity and accessibility but also to create more job opportunities which contribute to the nation's development and progress.

       "The Government appreciates the value in enhancing the capabilities of Sandakan Airport with a boost of RM80.9mill, most of it to extend the runway from 2,133m to 2,500m.

       "With this extension, Sandakan Airport will be able to accommodate Code C aircraft without weight limitations and up to six hours' flight time. This will indirectly encourage more commercial aircraft to fly direct to Sandakan and increase domestic and international tourism as well as boost the economy," he said.

       With the extension, it was projected that the airport could accommodate 83 flights per week to Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu, Tawau, and Lahad Datu, bringing greater connectivity to the region.

       He added that the Government had also approved the improvement of air traffic management with the installation of Primary Surveillance Radar/Secondary Surveillance Radar (PSR/SSR) and Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B).

       "This is included as a part of the overall improvement to the Kota Kinabalu Flight Information Region (KKFIR) scope of work to enhance the air traffic management systems for Sabah and Sarawak.

       "The runaway extension project also includes widening the airport apron and upgrading navigational aids such as precision approach lights, instrument landing system/glide path (ILS/GP) and precision approach path indicator (Papi)," he said.

       The event was also attended by Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, Malaysia Airports chairman Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir, Mavcom executive chairman Datuk Seri Saripuddin Kasim and Sandakan MP Vivian Wong Shir Yee.