SARAWAK’S “very upset” minister for tourism, creative industry and performing arts has slammed Malaysia Airport Bhd (MAB), the operators of the Kuching international airport, for failing “to keep the standard of the airport at the expected level”.

Abdul Karim Hamzah hit out at the lack of cleanliness of the public toilets and ageing facilities in the 41 year-old terminal building.

The present terminal of the airport was completed in July 1983.

The airport is the third busiest airport in the country, behind KLIA and Kota Kinabalu airport, handling six million passengers prior to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“I’m very upset,” he said, accusing Malaysia Airport Bhd (MAB) of only focusing its efforts on KLIA.

“MAB should not only focus on KLIA. Kuching is also an international gateway.”

In his media conference to announce Sarawak will have a booth of its own at the upcoming IMEX - worldwide exhibition for incentive travel, meetings, and events – in Frankfurt, Germany, Karim said MAB is doing a disservice to those states that have international airports if it continues to focus on KLIA.

Karim pointed out that there is not even a single toilet at the international departure lounge.

He said the absence of a toilet gives a negative impression on tourists who come to Sarawak.

“If there is a delay in their flight, where will they go to, to relieve themselves?” he asked.

He said the check-in facilities, baggage collection and various service counters at the airport are also showing signs of ageing.

“These facilities have to be looked into. There must be a certain standard (consistent with an international airport).”

Karim said he has been receiving a steady stream of complaints and feedback on the state of the KIA.

“Getting a lot of them. I would like to see the airport upgraded.

“The entry point to Malaysia is not only KLIA.” – 17 April, 2024.