Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah state government’s decision to elevate Tawau Airport to international status, initially agreed upon in 2020, is gaining renewed attention and support as a vital component of the Madani vision and a key driver for regional economic integration.
The initiative, championed by the BIMP-EAGA Business Council, aims to establish Tawau Airport as a central hub for BIMP-EAGA airlines, leveraging its strategic location and existing air linkages.
BEBC Tawau chairman cum official advisor for Transport & Trade Facilitations Wong Thart Sin highlighted Tawau’s unique advantages.
“Tawau offers the shortest sea, land, and air connections, coupled with a robust international financial system, making it ideal for passenger and cargo consolidation within the BIMP-EAGA East Borneo Economic Corridor (EBEC) and the BIMP-EAGA Greater Sulu Sulawesi Economic Corridors (GSSEC)…moreover, Tawau is notably free from natural disasters, ensuring operational reliability,” he said.
Pre-Covid-19, Malaysia Airlines and Brunei Airlines operated air services connecting Tawau Airport with Juwata Airport in Indonesia and Brunei International Airport, underscoring the region’s potential for enhanced connectivity.
Wong said the Federal Government’s allocation of RM130 million for the first phase of upgrading Tawau Airport to international standards demonstrates a commitment to the Malaysia Madani spirit, fostering inclusiveness, respect, and the overall well-being of the sub-regional population, with the full backing of the Sabah state government.
This initiative, he stressed garnered significant support from the local community, as evidenced by the Tawau Chinese Chamber of Commerce’s press release on 2025-11-01.
The Chamber emphasised that critics advocating for the centralisation of international air travel at Kota Kinabalu International Airport are undermining the objectives of the Madani vision.
Tawau’s strategic position as a gateway to most BIMP-EAGA designated regions, within a two-hour flight radius, positions it perfectly to capitalise on the burgeoning economic opportunities in the region.
With Semporna recognised as the “Bali of the North” and a forecasted USD100 billion in value chains expected to develop in the Nusantara province by 2035, Tawau Airport’s elevation to international status is crucial for facilitating the anticipated surge in business, tourism, investment, and air cargo activities.
“We encourage all Sabahans to embrace forward-thinking strategies that will enable Tawau and Sabah to thrive through the realisation of Tawau Airport as an international hub, fostering economic competitiveness with our neighbours,” Wong concluded.
