Sabah must prioritize passenger safety at KKIA
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.
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