Latest news with #KotaKinabaluInternationalAirport
The Star
21-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Sabah urged to enforce aerobridge use
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah government must enforce the use of aerobridges at its airports, says Sabah MCA treasurer Datuk Chin Kim Hiung. He also said that direct negotiations should be initiated with airlines and federal authorities. 'Passengers at Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) continue to face unacceptable conditions,' he said in a statement on Monday (July 21). He cited AirAsia's refusal to use aerobridges as a key issue, forcing travellers, including the elderly and families with young children, to walk across the open tarmac. Chin said Sabah should emulate Sarawak's enforcement of aerobridge use through discussions with AirAsia, the Malaysian Aviation Commission (MAVCOM) and federal-level stakeholders. He noted that although Sabah experienced significant tourism growth—reaching three million arrivals and generating RM4.88 billion in revenue last year—the conditions at KKIA still fall short of being ideal. Chin also highlighted that the cost of using an aerobridge is minimal, which is just RM85 per-use, which translates to about 25 sen per passenger, and should not be an excuse for compromising safety.
Borneo Post
21-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sabah must prioritize passenger safety at KKIA
Chin KOTA KINABALU (July 21): 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 due to AirAsia not using aerobridges forces travelers, including elderly visitors and families, to endure dangerous tarmac walks during frequent thunderstorms, risking slips, falls, and lightning exposure, said Sabah MCA treasurer Dato' Chin Kim Hiung. He said aerobridge fees cost just RM85 per use (less than 25 sen per passenger). Chin urged the Sabah State Government to emulate Sarawak's enforced aerobridge usage, through direct negotiations with AirAsia, federal authorities, and Malaysian Aviation Commission (MAVCOM). 'The use of aerobridge should be enforced at all Sabah airports in the interest of passenger safety and convenience. Sabah's tourists and residents deserve safe, dignified travel. 'The Sabah State Government must act decisively — not with appeals, but with enforceable demands,' Chin added.
Daily Express
15-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Hong Kong Express Airway picks Sabah as its third Malaysian destination
Published on: Tuesday, July 15, 2025 Published on: Tue, Jul 15, 2025 Text Size: The daily flights will begin on Nov 27 2025, operating to and from Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI). Kota Kinabalu: Hong Kong (HK) Express Airways is expanding its presence in Malaysia with the launch of a new direct route connecting Hong Kong to Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. The daily flights will begin on Nov 27 2025, operating to and from Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI). Advertisement This marks the airline's third destination in Malaysia, following Penang and the soon-to-be-launched Kuala Lumpur (Subang) route. In a statement, HK Express CEO Jeanette Mao said Malaysia has emerged as one of Asia's most popular destinations, with tourist arrivals rising more than 20 per cent year-on-year in the first quarter of 2025. 'The easing of visa restrictions, especially for travellers from Mainland China, has made Malaysia the second-largest international tourist market. We're excited to add Kota Kinabalu to our growing Malaysian network, and remain committed to offering competitive fares and value-added services for travellers eager to explore this vibrant destination,' she said. The new route is expected to boost air connectivity between North Asia and East Malaysia while positioning Sabah as a key eco-tourism and adventure destination in the region. Sabah Tourism Board CEO Julinus Jeffery Jimit welcomed the move, saying the direct link will open new opportunities for travellers to discover Sabah's natural beauty and unique culture. 'This is a significant milestone for Sabah. With seamless access via Hong Kong, one of the world's top aviation hubs, this new route will increase our global reach. We invite travellers to explore Sabah—from Kinabalu Park to Sipadan Island, and from orangutan sanctuaries to pristine beaches and stunning sunsets,' he said. He added that the state's tourism efforts are anchored in sustainability, with a focus on conservation, eco-adventures, and community engagement. To celebrate the launch, HK Express is offering one-way tickets starting from under HK$90 (Ultra Lite fare, includes one small personal item) across all its Malaysian routes: Kota Kinabalu, Kuala Lumpur (Subang), and Penang. The promotional booking period runs from 11am on July 14 to 11.45pm on July 17 2025 via the HK Express website and mobile app. The promotional fares are valid for travel to Kota Kinabalu from Nov 27 2025 until March 28 2026. For Kuala Lumpur (Subang), the applicable travel period is from August 1 2025 to March 28 2026. Meanwhile, travel to Penang is valid from July 22 2025 through to March 28 2026. Flight UO790 will depart Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) at 9.25pm and arrive at Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI) at 12.30am the following day. Flight UO791 will depart Kota Kinabalu (BKI) at 1.30am and arrive in Hong Kong (HKG) at 4.45am. Both flights will operate daily. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
New Straits Times
14-07-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Seven projects to deliver more efficient, stable power to Sabah, Labuan
KOTA KINABALU: Over 60,000 consumers in Sabah and Labuan will benefit from a more stable and efficient power supply with the implementation of seven energy projects valued at RM260.7million. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, who is also energy transition and water transformation minister, said the projects under his ministry involve substation upgrades, new grid line connections, and safety monitoring systems. "(These are) designed to ensure reliable electricity supply across areas from Tanjung Aru to Ranau, Batu Sapi, and Labuan," he said during the handover ceremony for the seven completed energy sector projects at the Kota Kinabalu Main Intake Substation (PMU KKBU) here. The PMU KKBU project, initiated under the 10th Malaysia Plan (10MP), now benefits around 11,452 users in Tanjung Aru and Kota Kinabalu city. It includes a building housing 132kV and 33kV gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) and 132/33/11kV transformers, replacing the outdated 66/11kV system with no replacement parts available. The project also supports a new 33kV cable connection to Kota Kinabalu International Airport, thus improving supply reliability to this strategic location. Other completed projects include the 132kV Labuan–Sipitang Interconnection which was completed on Sept 2 last year, but awaiting the completion of Sarawak Energy's portion by September 2025. "Once operational, it will enable the import of 30MW of power from Sarawak, with a grid capacity of up to 500MW, making it part of the Asean Power Grid linking Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, Sarawak, and the Philippines," said Fadillah. Another one is the RM31.3 million 33/11kV Ranau Main Distribution Substation (PPU) that was completed March last year and connects Ranau to the Sabah grid and reduces dependency on an 18MW diesel power plant, benefiting 15,620 users while cutting diesel subsidies. Others are the RM30.02 million Batu Sapi PPU to address old system issues; RM42 million Protection Online Monitoring System with the installation of 15 km submarine fibre optic cables from Kampung Lambidan, Menumbok to Tanjung Aru and Labuan. The RM50.011 million PMU at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) which has been operational since Aug 12 last year, raised load capacity from 93.51MW to 131.60MW, lowered SAIDI index, and reinforced 33kV distribution in Sulaman and Alamesra, benefiting over 5,000 users including UMS Hospital. The RM6.3 million 11kV System Enhancement in Labuan, which was also completed in Nov last year, upgraded protection systems at PPU Rancha-Rancha, boosting infrastructure to support new developments in Labuan.
Daily Express
11-07-2025
- Daily Express
18 undocumented migrants deported from Sabah
Published on: Friday, July 11, 2025 Published on: Fri, Jul 11, 2025 Text Size: Some of the deportees. KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Immigration Department has facilitated the repatriation of 18 undocumented migrants from five countries during the first two weeks of July. Sabah Immigration Director Datuk Sh Sitti Saleha Habib Yussof, on Friday, said the group was deported via the Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA). Those repatriated included six individuals from the Philippines, five from China, four from Pakistan, two from Thailand, and one from Indonesia. They were found to have committed immigration offences under Section 15(1)(c) and 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63 and the Immigration Regulations 1963. All had completed their prison sentences and were sent home upon completion of the necessary travel documents. To date, a total of 6,311 non-citizens have been repatriated from Sabah through official entry points. The department has reminded employers and premise owners that action will be taken against those who hire or shelter foreigners without valid passes or documents. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
