Malaysian airports have recorded a 9.98 percent increase in passenger traffic to reach 23.95 million from January to April this year compared to the corresponding period last year.

Deputy Transport Minister Aziz Kaprawi said the increase gave a big impact on the development of the country's transport and tourism sectors.

He said the KL International Airport handled the highest number of passengers at 14.24 million followed by the Kota Kinabalu International Airport (1.97 million), the Penang International Airport (1.62 million) and the Kuching International Airport (1.4 million).

The government strives to upgrade all airports with modern equipment, including widening and extending the runway, he said at the opening of the upgraded Sultan Azlan Shah Airport in Ipoh by the Regent of Perak, Raja Dr Nazrin Shah, today.

The project to upgrade the airport at a cost of RM42 million began on April 13, 2011, and the airport became fully operational again on Nov 1 last year.

Aziz said the Sultan Azlan Shah Airport could now provide better services to passengers and help stimulate the state’s economy.

The Raja Puan Besar of Perak, Tuanku Zara Salim; the Raja DiHilir of Perak, Raja Jaafar Raja Muda Musa; the Raja Puan Muda of Perak, Raja Nor Mahani Raja Shahar Shah; and Perak Menteri Besar Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir were also present at the event.  

- Bernama