Institut logistik gesa kajian komprehensif mengenai KKIA

Daniel Doughty, president of the CILTM Sabah, emphasized the need for a thorough assessment when deciding whether to keep or relocate KKIA. The decision should be made based on credible evidence and a balanced assessment, rather than preconceived notions. Doughty stated that the institute's responsibility is not to tell the public what to think, but to provide information that enables better decision-making.

The forum featured a strategic aviation expert, Edward Clayton, and former public aviation regulator Chester Voo, who shared their views on KKIA's future development. Issues discussed included runway capacity, terminal expansion, corporate aviation economy, air freight, maintenance and repair, aircraft overhaul, environmental management, and supporting aviation industry.

Doughty noted that merely expanding airport facilities would not guarantee more airlines or successful aviation, as passenger demand, airline profitability, and supporting industries also play important roles. CILTM Sabah welcomed the state government's plan to conduct a comprehensive transportation and logistics masterplan study in 2027, which would encompass the interplay of air, land, and sea transportation.

The study was announced during the forum by Caroline Jiungan, representing the Deputy Chief Minister III, who also serves as the Sabah Minister of Industrial Development, Commerce, and Transport. According to CILTM Sabah, airport development should be evaluated as part of a broader transportation and logistics strategy to ensure that investments in infrastructure yield significant economic benefits.

The institute will compile the forum's discussions, along with expert opinions, public concerns, and insights from the participants, into a report to be presented to relevant government authorities or agencies. The institute also launched the CILTM Sabah Thought Leadership Series, a digital knowledge-sharing platform led by co-project manager and editor Ramli Amir, aimed at promoting professional insights and research on logistics, transportation, supply chains, and economic development.

Meanwhile, Faizal Malik, chairman of the CILTM Sabah Steering Committee and deputy president of the institute, said the forum provided an important platform for constructive dialogue and professional collaboration on the future of Sabah's aviation sector. CILTM Sabah reaffirmed its commitment to supporting evidence-based discussions on transportation interconnectivity, logistics competitiveness, and regional economic development.