Darell
KOTA Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA), the country’s second busiest airport, has been operating without an Instrument Landing System (ILS) since upgrading works a few months ago, raising fears of an accident similar to the Asiana crash in San Francisco last month, according to PKR deputy secretary-general Darell Leiking.
The Penampang Member of Parliament claimed that the Instrument Landing System was removed to facilitate construction of the runway and to date, has not been re-installed, despite the runway being used for flights.
The ground-based instrument combines radio signals and high intensity lightning to provide precision guidance to the pilot when approaching and landing on any runway. In the San Francisco crash on July 6, the ILS had been switched off.
“I hope that a better system would be put in place but I am told that the ILS is the most appropriate landing system and used all over airports in Malaysia and in the world.
“Without the ILS, many pilots are finding it difficult to land in bad weather and at night,” Darell said.
The absence of the ILS has caused many flights to be delayed, especially during the rainy season, he claimed.
“My question is, if this is true, why is this important instrument not re-installed?” he asked.
According to Darell, the guidance system currently being used at KKIA is the basic non-precision approach known as VOR (VHF Omnidirectional range) and the DME (Distance Measuring Equipment).
“I was made to understand that this system is not as accurate compared to the ILS, especially during rain. This has caused unnecessary delays.
“Since the main contractor for the upgrading works on the airport had their contract terminated sometime last year, the taxiway is still not completed and most of the taxiway’s lights are also not functioning,” he said, adding that the overall condition of the airport was deplorable.
“The maintenance of the airport is very poor, including non-lighted runways and overgrown grass surrounding the runway, which covers the signages. Another complaint received is the uneven surface of the runway,” he added.
The same problem could be seen on the perimeter roads linking Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, used by airport staff and fuel trucks, he said.
Darell urged Malaysia Airport Holdings, the Transport Ministry and the Department of Civil Aviation to investigate these complaints and review the safety of the KKIA and its facilities.
“The authorities should issue a written assurance to the public that there are no possible dangers posed at the airport especially without the ILS,” he said.