Airport maintenance costs nationwide to rise by 34%, says Ministry of Transport
KUALA LUMPUR: The cost of maintaining airports nationwide under Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) is expected to increase by 34% in 2024.
According to Bernama, the Ministry of Transport (MOT) stated that MAHB spent RM546 million in 2023 on maintenance to ensure that all its managed airports remain in good condition.
In a written response in the Dewan Negara today, the ministry reported that MAHB allocated RM191.1 million for the maintenance of all airports and airstrips in Sarawak in 2023.
“This allocation has been increased to RM27.1 million for 2024, marking a 41.9% rise compared to the cost in 2023,” it said.
This statement was in response to a query from Pele Peter Tinggom regarding the need to upgrade, repair, and maintain airports nationwide, especially in Sarawak.
Further elaborating, the MOT said that by 2024, MAHB has identified eight airports needing upgrades, including Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Kota Kinabalu International Airport, and Kuching International Airport.
Other facilities include Miri Airport, Bario Airstrip, Tawau Airport, Penang International Airport, and Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (LTSAAS) in Subang.
“The development costs will be funded by the government through the Development Allocation or financed by MAHB, involving competitive and viable airports,” it said.
The funding method for upgrading competitive projects will be carried out through an investment recovery model, which will be discussed with MAHB and subject to government approval.
According to the MOT, this aligns with the government’s decision to grant MAHB the rights to operate, manage, maintain, and develop 39 airports and airstrips in Malaysia until 2069 through two operating agreements signed on March 18, 2024.
“To ensure that infrastructure and services at all airports nationwide, including in Sarawak, remain safe and comfortable, the Malaysian Aviation Commission has been implementing a phased Service Quality Framework at all airports since September 2018,” it said.
The framework also introduces financial penalties for airport operators who fail to meet the set standards.