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| Prime Minister Dato' Sri Najib Razak launches the Kota Kinabalu International Airport Terminal 1 facility. |
KOTA KINABALU: Prime Minister Dato' Sri Najib Razak delivered an ultimatum that AirAsia has to move its operations to Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) Terminal 1, stating that the airline has 'exceeded their timeframe'.
He said Terminal 2 where the low-cost-carrier is operating from has already exceeded its passenger capacity of two million passengers per annum (ppa), as last year its actual passenger volume was 3.6 million ppa.
AirAsia has been involved in disagreement with Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) since they were asked to move to Terminal 1 back in 2011, with the last deadline given August 1 this year.
"They (AirAsia) have already exceeded the time frame; they have to go. "We want this to be done as you (AirAsia) are not doing justice to the people if operations not shifted to Terminal 1.
The airport has been planned for the future of Sabah folks and is a contribution from the federal government," he said when officially launching the Terminal 1 facility here.
Najib added that airports management, MAHB has pledged RM10 million to Sabah Tourism Board for marketing purposes, with the condition that all airlines moved operations to KKIA Terminal 1.
Currently only AirAsia are operating from Terminal 2. He said Sabah has major potential to develop its tourism sector and attracting more airlines to fly here, hence the importance of streamlining all operations in Terminal 1 which have better facilities.
"The moment of truth is that first contact of tourists coming here is through airport, and we need to paint a picture whether we are first world or third world country. "This include immigration and customs facilities, do we make they feel welcomed in Malaysia ... All services must come together," he explained.
On the launching event held on Malaysia Day itself, Najib said it brought significance as connectivity plays an important factor in nation building and national integration. He is set to attend the Malaysia Day celebration at Padang Merdeka downtown at 8pm tonight, which is expected to be attended by thousands of people.
Source: New Straits Times | 16 September 2015
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