Transport Minister Kong Cho Ha has called for an investigation into the runway blackout at the Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) on Thursday that forced the cancellation of flights, leaving  many passengers stranded.

He said no one would be spared in the probe and warned of stern action against the "careless party", whether individuals, local authorities or airport operator.

lim kit siang parliament pc 201008 kong cho ha "If there are elements of sabotage in the outcome of the investigation, then a police report will be made and the case will then be handled by the police," he said in a statement released here today.

Kong ( right ) said he was extremely upset with the whole situation that had stirred up a lot of uneasiness and anger among passengers who had planned their long weekend to celebrate Aidiladha with their families and loved ones.

The minister also urged the airport operator to ensure that the Emergency Response Plan (ERP) was in place to avert any repeat occurrence.

KKIA was closed Thursday night after the runway lights malfunctioned, forcing several incoming and outgoing flights to be cancelled or rescheduled and leaving many passengers stranded.

- Bernama

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