SANDAKAN: Sandakan MP Vivian Wong urged the government to prioritise the expansion of Sandakan Airport’s arrival hall to cater to the growing number of passengers.
Wong said the airport’s current arrival hall is too small to handle multiple arrivals at once, with congestion often occurring when three flights land simultaneously.
“The expansion of the arrival hall must go hand in hand with the addition of aerobridges.
“While the Transport Minister, Anthony Loke, announced last month on the two new aerobridges for Sandakan Airport, the arrival hall also needs to be enlarged to provide a better experience for passengers,” she said.
However, Wong noted that several airlines have raised concerns over the condition of the airport runway, stressing that it must be well-maintained to ensure safe and smooth landings.
“When the surface of the runway is not in good condition, airlines face additional costs to service their aircraft tires and landing gear.
“Therefore, both the government and Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) must work closely to ensure the runway is in top condition,” she said.
She further called for Sandakan Airport to become more business-friendly, ensuring all facilities and equipment are properly utilised and functioning efficiently.
“As the government of the day, we must ensure every infrastructure project is well-planned and executed effectively, especially given the trust that the people have placed in us,” Wong added.
She was met by media after the launching ceremony of first-ever direct freighter service between Kuala Lumpur and Sandakan, at Sandakan Airport.
Operated by MJets Air Sdn Bhd (formerly MJets International Sdn Bhd) (“MJets Air”), ma subsidiary of MMAG Aviation Consortium Sdn Bhd; the aviation arm of MMAG Holdings Berhad , the freighter service introduced in collaboration with Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB), Menteiz Aviation Services, and the Ministry of Transport (MOT).
It will operate four times weekly, with plans to expand to daily flights as demand grows.
This new direct link eliminates the need for transits through Kota Kinabalu, reducing transit time and improving logistics efficiency between Peninsular Malaysia and East Sabah.
It is expected to accelerate trade and delivery for businesses and consumers in Sandakan, Tawau, and Lahad Datu, bringing faster and more reliable air cargo connectivity to the region.
According to Director of MMAG Holdings Berhad and Chief Executive Officer of MJets Air, Ahmad Luqman Mohd Azmi, this inaugural service represents a major boost for East Sabah’s connectivity.
“With this direct route, delivery times to East Sabah will be faster, and exporters gain a more efficient channel to regional markets through our continuing service to Hong Kong.
“Inbound cargo into Sandakan will include e-commerce shipments, spare parts, and general freight, while outbound shipments will focus on seafood, bird’s nest, and other produce bound for Hong Kong and the China market.
“This initiative supports local industries and aligns with the Government’s efforts under the Madani Economic Framework to enhance regional connectivity and trade facilitation,” he added.
