Kuala Lumpur: The Ministry of Transport has approved a RM24 million upgrading project for Sandakan Airport, while a new air conditioning system costing RM1 million is scheduled to be installed from the first quarter of 2027 to address long-standing complaints over passenger comfort.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke, in a recent written parliamentary reply to Libaran Member of Parliament Datuk Suhaimi Nasir, said Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) has continued carrying out regular maintenance on the existing air conditioning system to ensure it operates at an optimum level.
However, as a long-term solution, MAHB will replace the ageing system with a new one at an estimated cost of RM1 million, with installation works expected to begin in the first quarter of 2027.
Loke said the Ministry had also approved MAHB’s proposal to undertake a RM24 million upgrading project using funds from the Airport Development Fund (ADF), which is administered by the Ministry of Transport.
He said MAHB is finalising the scope of works, which includes improving public transport facilities by providing dedicated bus and taxi parking bays with pedestrian access to the terminal building.
The project will also include the installation of two passenger boarding bridges, upgrades to the baggage conveyor system, and the relocation of X-ray screening machines to implement a post-check-in baggage screening concept.
In addition, the airport’s immigration departure and arrival checkpoints will be refurbished to facilitate the installation of NIISe e-Gate facilities in collaboration with the Ministry of Home Affairs.
The departure hall will also be expanded and renovated to provide larger waiting areas and additional commercial space for passengers.
According to the ministry, physical works are expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2026, with the project scheduled for completion by the end of 2027.
Loke was responding to Suhaimi’s question on measures being taken to improve facilities at Sandakan Airport following repeated complaints from passengers, particularly over the ageing air conditioning system.
The planned upgrades are expected to improve passenger comfort, operational efficiency and the airport’s overall capacity to accommodate growing travel demand.
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