KOTA KINABALU: Despite Sabah’s strong tourism growth-three million arrivals in 2024 (exceeding targets), and RM4.88 billion in revenue-passengers at Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) continue to face unacceptable conditions.
However, the lack of aerobridge usage by AirAsia forces passengers, including elderly visitors and families, to endure dangerous tarmac walks during frequent thunderstorms, risking slips, falls, and lightning exposure, Sabah MCA treasurer Dato’ Chin Kim Hiung said on Monday.
Aerobridge fees cost just RM85 per use (less than 25 sen per passenger), he added.
Chin urged the Sabah State Government to follow Sarawak’s enforced aerobridge usage, through direct negotiations with AirAsia, federal authorities, and MAVCOM.
The use of aerobridge should be enforced at all Sabah airports for the sake of passenger safety and convenience, he said.
Sabah’s tourists and residents deserve safe, dignified travel. The Sabah State Government must act decisively—not with appeals, but with enforceable demands, Chin said. – James Leong
