The Ministry of Transport will keep a close watch on the RM120.9 million Tawau Airport upgrading project to ensure its completion within the scheduled 36 months.
Minister Anthony Loke said the expansion, slated for completion in 2028, is expected to boost tourism and trade by providing modern and comfortable facilities for passengers.
“It is important for the contractor to complete the project on time. I will monitor this project, and every week I will request progress reports during post-Cabinet meetings,” he said at the groundbreaking ceremony here today.
The project, led by a Sabah-based construction company, will increase the terminal’s passenger capacity from 1.5 million to 2.5 million a year. It also includes the installation of aerobridges, an expanded aircraft apron, upgraded air-conditioning systems and check-in counters, as well as improved public amenities such as toilets.
Loke emphasised that construction must be carried out in phases to avoid disrupting airport operations, in line with scheduling and operational requirements.
He added that a key feature of the upgrade would be the separation of immigration and e-immigration check-in areas for domestic and international flights, in compliance with international standards. “At present, immigration checks for domestic and international flights are conducted in the same area, which causes confusion and raises concerns that some passengers may slip through immigration screening,” he noted.
The minister said the expansion will also reinforce Tawau’s role as a strategic gateway to East Kalimantan, Indonesia, in line with the Malaysia MADANI agenda to provide inclusive and sustainable infrastructure.
Last year, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced in Budget 2025 that Tawau Airport, along with Miri Airport in Sarawak, would undergo expansion works with a combined allocation of RM235 million.
