MARUDI: Construction of a new airport in Mukah to cater to larger aircraft like ATR turboprops is expected to begin soon, said Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) Managing Director Datuk Mohd Badlisham Ghazali.
He said the proposed new airport was announced in Budget 2016.
“Mukah has long needed that kind of airport, it is a priority as announced by the government.
“Construction of the airport is part of the Eleventh Malaysia Plan, the planning portion will start soon and I think construction work will start at the end of this year or next year,” he told reporters after visiting the Marudi airport yesterday.
Asked if planning for the new Mukah airport would be affected by the recalibrated Budget 2016, Badlisham said Mukah really needs a new airport.
“This is a long-standing matter, that’s why the government has approved the budget for this airport, but we still need to wait for the Prime Minister’s decision.
“I hope the proposal is approved as I feel Mukah needs a new airport,” he said.
Mukah currently only has an airfield for short takeoff and landing (STOL) aircraft serving the interior.
Meanwhile, upgrading works on Miri airport, including expanding the parking aprons and adding two more taxiways, are expected to be completed next month, he said.-BERNAMA