KUALA LUMPUR – The new RM300 million Mukah Airport (MKM) has opened to replace all the functions of the previous Mukah Short Take-off and Landing Air Strip (STOLport), Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) announced today.
MKM is expecting its first flight to arrive from Miri and another departing flight to Kuching today.
Following the successful Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer trial last month, the new terminal will be able to accommodate up to 200 passengers at any one time, as compared with the STOLport that could only handle 67 passengers.
“The terminal can cater for up to 264,000 passengers per annum and the new runway is suitable for turboprop and helicopter operations,” MAHB said in a statement.
Its group chief executive officer, Datuk Mohd Shukrie Mohd Salleh, said the new airport will boost connectivity of the coastal town and surrounding areas in Sarawak.
“This is both timely and crucial, especially during this challenging pandemic period for the delivery of essential supplies like medicine, food and basic supplies to remote areas of the country,” he said.
MAHB operates eight other STOLports, which are key socio-economic contributors. With the upgraded status as a domestic airport, MKM can serve more people and strengthen the town’s prospects in contributing to local economic development in Sarawak. – Bernama, June 17, 2021
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