This is due to the increase in cargo volume over the years and rise in the number of airlines flying from the airport.

KIA senior airport manager Jun Iskandar Murshidi said the cargo complex is part of plans to upgrade the airport facilities.

“We presented the proposal to the transport ministry last year and proposed to build on a 17ha plot of land next to the fire station building,” he told reporters after a visit by Sarawak Assistant Transport Minister Jerip Susil.

The KIA has issued a tender to hire a consultant to prepare a study on the terminals and surrounding areas.

“Once the consultant is on board in July, we will be able to conduct a study on the terminal and its surrounding areas.

“We will invite all the stakeholders to provide their inputs once everything is ready,” he said.

Jun said cargo growth grew 9% at KIA between 2016 and 2018.

“The cargo volume in 2016 was 22,500 tonnes but this increased to 24,620 tonnes in 2017 and 26,816 tonnes last year.”

He said the airline operators, forwarding agencies and Customs Department faced constraints in terms of facilities.

“The building is 35 years old and its facilities are outdated,” he said, adding this hampered cargo movement which is growing at 25% annually.

“Chief Minister Abang Johari Openg had also announced his plan to build a new airport near Spaoh to export agricultural products,” he said, stressing on the need for a cargo complex and better storage facilities.