The contract for the multi-million upgrading works on Kuching International Airport (KIA) is being given to a company controlled by Sarawak businessman Ting Pek Khiing.

Out-going Transport Minister Dr Ling Liong Sik announced at KIA this afternoon that the government had already issued a letter of intent to Global Upline Sdn Bhd.

Global Upline Sdn Bhd also built the new RM380-million Bintulu Airport as well as the extension of the Miri Airport at a cost of more than RM150 million.

Speaking to reporters at the end of a two-day visit to Sarawak, Ling did not, however, indicate the project cost, except to say that price negotiation was reaching the final stage of conclusion.

Costliest upgrading works

Malaysiakini, however, understands that the project cost is likely to be between RM750 million and RM800 million, making it one of the most expensive upgrading works on any airport in Malaysia.

It will have a runway extending a little over 12,000 feet long that will enable a Boeing 747 to land
comfortably.

Ting's architectural consultants showed the minister the latest drawings, including the lay-out plans and designs of the new passenger terminal building.

There is also an area of about 10 acres for cargo handling, with a proposal being discussed for the
developer to build a cargo complex/terminal and lease it to Malaysia Airlines.

The land on which MAS Cargo Complex at KIA stands belongs to Malaysia Airports Berhad. The developer is expected to lease the land from MAB, build the cargo complex and then lease it to MasKargo.

MAS senior general manager (cargo) J J Ong who was present at the airport said initial built-up of 70,000 to 80,000 sq feet would suffice, with provision for further expansion, based on a modular concept development like the MAS Advanced Cargo Centre at Sepang.

Malaysiakini understands that the airport upgrading project is to be undertaken by the contractor on a deferred payment basis.

Tightlipped Ling

Questioned on this, Ling said he has no information on the matter as such details would be between the prospective contractors and the Ministry of Finance to discuss.

He would also not comment on talks that Global Upline Sdn Bhd was also being considered for the proposed upgrading of Kota Kinabalu International Airport. The expansion project is estimated to cost around RM1 billion.

Ling, however, said that Global Upline and Ting had been favourably considered for the Kuching
International Airport project because of its fine track record in finishing both the new Bintulu airport
and the upgrading works on Miri airport well ahead of time.

Ling who has tendered his resignation as transport minister is currently on leave until the end of the month.

Upgrading work on KIA will take three years, but consultants say that Ting aims at finishing it within
two years. Work is expected to work within the next one or two months.