Institut logistik gesa kajian komprehensif mengenai KKIA

Daniel Doughty, president of the Institute of Logistics and Transport of Malaysia (CILTM) for Sabah, stated that the future of Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) - whether it remains, is upgraded, or relocated - must be determined through a comprehensive assessment of economic growth potential, operational capacity, and long-term benefits to Sabah.

The president of CILTM Sabah emphasized that the decision on the airport's entry point should be based on credible evidence and a balanced assessment, rather than pre-determined decisions. This came following a public forum titled "Our Airport, Our Connectivity, Our Sabah's Future" held at the Sabah International Convention Centre in Kota Kinabalu.

The forum gathered professionals from the aviation industry, government representatives, industry players, academics, and the public. Doughty explained that the responsibility is not to tell the public what they should think, but to provide information to enable better consideration. The forum featured aviation strategic planning Edward Clayton and former civil aviation regulator Chester Voo, who shared their perspectives on the future development of KKIA.

Issues discussed included runway capacity, terminal expansion, corporate aviation economics, air cargo, airport operations, aircraft maintenance, environmental impact, and supporting aviation industries. Doughty added that merely expanding airport facilities will not guarantee more airlines or successful flight operations, as passenger demand, airline profitability, and supporting industries also play a significant role.

Meanwhile, CILTM Sabah welcomed the state government's plan to conduct a private transport and logistics master plan study in 2027, which includes the interconnection of air, land, and sea transportation. The study was announced during the forum by Caroline Jiungan, representing the Assistant Chief Minister III and Minister of Industry, Commerce, and Transport for Sabah, Ewon Benedick.

According to CILTM Sabah, airport development should be assessed as part of a broader transportation and logistics strategy to ensure that investments in infrastructure yield significant economic benefits. Therefore, the institute will compile the forum's discussions, along with professional insights, public concerns, and academic reviews from the participants, to present a report to the relevant government authorities or agencies.

During the forum, the launch of the CILTM Sabah Thought Leadership Series was also held, a digital knowledge-sharing platform led by co-project editor Ramli Amir, aimed at promoting professional insights and research on logistics, transportation, supply chains, and economic development. Meanwhile, the chairman of the organizing committee, also Deputy President of CILTM Sabah, Faizal Malik, said the forum provided an important platform for constructive dialogue and professional collaboration on the future of the aviation sector in Sabah.

CILTM Sabah reaffirmed its commitment to supporting evidence-based discussions on intermodal transportation connectivity, logistics competitiveness, and economic development in the state.