KUALA LUMPUR (April 22): Miri Airport in Sarawak is expected to undergo a further expansion and upgrade at a cost of RM285 million to accommodate the growing trend in passenger traffic.

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said the proposal to expand and upgrade the airport has been listed on the priority list for projects to be undertaken in the Second Rolling Plan of the 11th Malaysia Plan in 2017.

This follows the recent completion of the airport's RM68 million apron and taxiway extension, said Liow in a statement today.

The airport is the second busiest in Sarawak recording 2.3 million passengers in 2015, which exceeds its capacity to accommodate two million passengers a year, he said.

"In the interest of the rakyat and the comfort of travellers, the government has decided to upgrade Miri Airport to accommodate this growing trend in passenger traffic," he said.

Liow added the effort were in addition to the RM700 million allocated for dredging Sungai Sarawak to enhance Kuching Port's capacity, building the new Mukah Airport to replace the existing STOLport (short take-off and landing port) and upgrading the facilities at the Kuching International Airport.

"Transport infrastructure has the capacity to mobilise people and businesses, leading to economic as well as social development. On this score, we are conscious of the need to ensure infrastructure development keeps pace with growth.

"The government's people-oriented investments in Sarawak are intended to result in sustainable and inclusive growth and development. In order for Malaysia to achieve fully developed nation status, it is integral for our transport infrastructure to be world-class," he said.