Tuaran: The Tuaran Chinese Chamber of Commerce is in favour of Tuaran as site for the construction of a new international airport.
Its Chairman Datuk Paul Yong said Tuaran, with its central location surrounded by major districts like Kota Belud, Kudat, Ranau and Kota Kinabalu, is an ideal entry point for international tourists.
He said with the current State leadership under Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor who is from Tuaran, it is the time and best opportunity to pick Tuaran for the construction of the proposed new international airport.
“With the completion of Pan Borneo Highway, travelling between Kota Kinabalu and Tuaran would be smoother and shorter, which is an advantage for tourists arriving and departing Sabah as compared to Kimanis.
“Moreover, Tuaran is nearer to popular tourist spots such as Mount Kinabalu and the Tip of Borneo in Kudat.
“The proposal extension of the Pan Borneo Highway to Kudat will open up more development areas further north, including the proposed Kota Belud and Kudat Industrial Parks, thus developing the northern part of Sabah, in line with the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) concept,” he said in a statement.
Paul, who is also a Tuaran Councillor, said funding of the project can be led by the State Government sourcing joint investors from the private sectors without involving federal funds.
“The recent approval announced by the Prime Minister for a second Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) terminal is a short-term measure.
“What Sabah needs is long-term planning as the existing airport is facing shortage of land for further expansion.
“With the increasing influx of international tourists and local arrivals, the Kota Kinabalu International Airport is no longer able to cope with the demand for efficient handling of all arrivals,” he said.
