Opening of KKIA Terminal 1 on Malaysia Day a significant occasion

The opening of the Kota Kinabalu International Airport's (KKIA) Terminal 1 today will have a significant association with Malaysia Day said Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman.

Musa said the terminal contributed immensely for integration among the people of Sabah, Sarawak and the Peninsula through interaction that can boost unity, peace and harmony.

"The opening of KKIA's Terminal 1 proves the progress and success enjoyed by Sabah and the economic development achieved in the economic, air transportation and tourism sectors.

"I therefore, wish to thank the people of Sabah for their support and the federal government for the allocation to build and operate the terminal.

"It is also an initiative to ensure the comfort of passengers who use the terminal for their travel," he said after Prime Minister Seri Najib Razak officially opened the terminal, here today.

He said the terminal, built at a cost of RM1.7 billion would become the pride of the people of Sabah because the design reflects the local tradition and culture.

Meanwhile, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai hoped the opening of the KKIA Terminal 1, would encourage more airlines and travel agencies to set up their offices in Sabah and turn the place into a hub for their activities.

According to Liow, KKIA handled 6.79 million passengers in total last year and from the total, 3.19 million had used Terminal 1.

"Currently 14 airlines operate from Terminal 1 which has 64 counters to cater for domestic and international flights," he said.