(Kuching 19th) Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari pointed out that the new Sarawak international airport will be built in Tanjung Embang, Samarahan Division.
He explained that the new airport was initially proposed to be built in the Madang area of Kuching. However, there were problems during aircraft approach due to international airspace regulations.
He said that if an aircraft wants to enter the airspace of another country, permission is required, and fees may be necessary for using their airspace.
“In Madang, flights must pass through Indonesia's Kalimantan airspace, which poses logistical challenges. Therefore, we decided to relocate the airport to Tanjung Embang.”
Abang Johari disclosed this while attending the PBB Southern Sarawak Zone delegates meeting in Kuching today.
He further stated that the design of the new airport will be inspired by the model of Doha Airport in Qatar.
The Sarawak Director of Finance has established a committee to explore the details of the airport proposal.
Meanwhile, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim, MP for Asajaya, mentioned during an interview at the event that the new airport in Tanjung Embang will bring significant economic benefits to Kuching, Samarahan, Serian, and surrounding areas.
“It won't take long to witness these ancillary benefits, as we will have our airline this year, and the plan to construct a deep-sea port and the new airport (totaling RM100 billion) is expected to be implemented during the upcoming 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP).
“Therefore, I believe these development plans are in a 'fast track' state.”