KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) is planning to carry out reconfiguration works at the Lahad Datu Airport terminal building, which is expected to begin in September 2025.
The Malaysian Ministry of Transport (MOT), in a written reply at the Dewan Rakyat session, announced that the work includes plans to improve passenger facilities within the terminal, including check-in counters, security screening, baggage claim, departure, and passenger arrival halls.
“This is to improve passenger comfort and smooth operations at Lahad Datu Airport.
“These improvement works are expected to begin in September 2025 and are expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2026.”
The ministry stated this in response to an oral question posed by Datuk Seri Panglima Wilfred Madius Tangau (UPKO – Tuaran).
According to MOT, the ministry always plans to upgrade airports under the operation of MAHB, including Lahad Datu Airport.
“However, any proposal to upgrade or build a new airport needs to be supported by realistic projections, particularly projected demand for passenger and cargo services as well as the commitment of airlines that wish to use Lahad Datu Airport,” he explained.
Earlier, Madius, in his question, asked MOT to state the steps taken by the ministry to expedite the implementation of the Kota Kinabalu International Airport (LTAKK) located in Kota Marudu and the International Airport in Lahad Datu.
MOT informed that the federal government does not have any plans to implement LTAKK located in Kota Marudu.
“The Federal Government on November 8, 2024, has agreed to the proposed LTAKK upgrade project at the existing location to accommodate the expected increase in the number of movements in Sabah.
“The main scope of this project is the expansion of the LTAKK main terminal to accommodate the increase in airport capacity from nine million passengers per year to 12 million passengers per year.
“Apart from the terminal expansion, the LTAKK upgrade project also includes commercial development, construction of multi-storey car parks, upgrading roads around the airport and the addition of seven parking aprons for aircraft, bringing the total to 33 parking aprons.
“The development of LTAKK at a cost of RM442.30 million will be financed almost entirely through a private financing initiative by MAHB, which will not involve any guarantees from the government,” explained MOT further.
