(Asajaya, 4th) An Automated Rapid Transit (ART) system is planned to connect the existing Kuching International Airport (KIA) with the soon-to-be-constructed Tanjung Ambong Airport, similar to the link between Kuala Lumpur's KLIA1 and KLIA2.
Datuk Seri Abdul Karim, Sarawak's Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, stated that this ART line will connect the current KIA (which will serve as the domestic airport in the future) with the new international airport planned for construction in Tanjung Ambong.
"An ART will be set up between the domestic and international airports, just like KLIA Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, providing convenience for passengers traveling between domestic and international flights. All of this will become a reality within five years," he said last night (January 3) at the closing ceremony of the 2026 Asajaya Ambal Festival held at Asajaya Plaza.
The new airport will be built in the Tanjung Ambong area, covering Kampung Beliong, Kampung Beradek, Kampung Tiang Api, Kampung Sungai Tanju, and other villages. It is expected to replace KIA as Sarawak's main international gateway.
Abdul Karim, who is also the Asajaya state assemblyman, further revealed that, according to Force Acquisition Notices issued under Sections 47 and 48 of the Land Code, acquisition notices have been served in the Beliong area for land acquisition for the airport project, and compensation will be paid to affected landowners.
He emphasized that development is not only limited to the airport itself, but that road links and supporting infrastructure for surrounding villages will be constructed simultaneously.
"If there are no proper road connections among all the villages, building the airport is meaningless. All facilities will be developed in tandem," he added.
At the same time, he urged Asajaya residents to change their mindsets and adapt to the rapid changes that are about to take place in the region.
He also pointed out that over the years, the socioeconomic status of the local communities has steadily improved, as evidenced by the increase in vehicle ownership and overall living conditions.
"This shows that development in Asajaya is ongoing, and we hope that with the advancement of the project, this process will continue," he stressed.
Datuk Seri Abdul Karim, Sarawak's Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, stated that this ART line will connect the current KIA (which will serve as the domestic airport in the future) with the new international airport planned for construction in Tanjung Ambong.
The new airport will be built in the Tanjung Ambong area, covering Kampung Beliong, Kampung Beradek, Kampung Tiang Api, Kampung Sungai Tanju, and other villages. It is expected to replace KIA as Sarawak's main international gateway.
Abdul Karim, who is also the Asajaya state assemblyman, further revealed that, according to Force Acquisition Notices issued under Sections 47 and 48 of the Land Code, acquisition notices have been served in the Beliong area for land acquisition for the airport project, and compensation will be paid to affected landowners.
He emphasized that development is not only limited to the airport itself, but that road links and supporting infrastructure for surrounding villages will be constructed simultaneously.
"If there are no proper road connections among all the villages, building the airport is meaningless. All facilities will be developed in tandem," he added.
At the same time, he urged Asajaya residents to change their mindsets and adapt to the rapid changes that are about to take place in the region.
He also pointed out that over the years, the socioeconomic status of the local communities has steadily improved, as evidenced by the increase in vehicle ownership and overall living conditions.
"This shows that development in Asajaya is ongoing, and we hope that with the advancement of the project, this process will continue," he stressed.