Kota Kinabalu: There have been improvements in buggy and baggage trolley services as well as seat refurbishment at Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) for passenger comfort and convenience under the Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) action plan for the upgrading and development of KKIA, Terminal 1, said State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew.
She said MAHB has commenced the airport’s toilet refurbishment project which will be implemented in stages due to operational requirements.
The refurbishment of 52 existing toilets (26 male and 26 female) is expected to be completed by early 2025, according to her.
“We (Ministry) are aware of the critical issues, and I have raised the matter persistently in both the print and electronic media.
“I was informed by the KKIA management that they have instructed the cleaning contractor to improve the level of cleanliness to eliminate bad smell emanating from the toilets.
“Be patient, MAHB is addressing the issues, upgrading of facilities is in progress and my Ministry will be monitoring the progress of works from time to time,” Liew said during her winding-up speech in response to concerns raised about smelly toilets, air-conditioning and insufficient chairs, in the State Legislative Assembly sitting here on Wednesday (April 24).
The Minister also disclosed that a major refurbishment of the air-conditioning system involving the chiller and cooling tower will take place this year, saying scheduled maintenance (as a short-term solution) is being carried out in accordance with the standard operating procedure (SOP).
On the lack of chairs due to growing passenger volume, Liew, who is also Api-Api Assemblywoman, said additional seating has been placed at the International Departure level.
“Currently, the management is in the process of refurbishing all chairs at KKIA. Completion rate is at about 25pc, and the work is expected to finish by the end of June.”
Referring to the existing parking system at the KKIA, she said it will be replaced with a cashless system expected to go live in early July.
On February 6 this year, a delegation from MAHB presented the action plan for the upgrading and development of KKIA, Terminal 1 to the Minister.
