Sarawak plans aerotropolis with new Kuching International Airport to boost aerospace hub aspirations
Photo of the current Kuching International Airport. – Photo by Chimon Upon
KUCHING (May 28): Sarawak is moving forward with plans to develop an aerotropolis anchored by the proposed new Kuching International Airport, as part of the state's broader vision to establish itself as a regional aerospace hub, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said the new airport will be a central component of the proposed aerotropolis and will be designed with modern and green architectural principles.
'We also discussed the development of an aerotropolis in Sarawak, which will include the new Kuching International Airport.
'The new airport will embody modern, green architectural principles and be equipped with cutting-edge systems to ensure a seamless passenger journey, from check-in to boarding,' he said during his winding-up speech at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly sitting here today.
The new airport is expected to accommodate more than 15 million passengers annually and will feature an integrated terminal layout to optimise efficiency and collaboration across the aviation industry.
'This facility will serve as an integrated aviation hub, where all terminals and support buildings are seamlessly interconnected. This cohesive layout will enhance operational efficiency and foster stronger synergies across the entire aviation industry ecosystem,' he added.
Abang Johari said the state government will establish a Sarawak-Airbus Joint Task Force to draw up a roadmap for the development of Sarawak's aerospace industry.
He disclosed that during a recent working visit to Toulouse, France, he met with Airbus officials and visited the company's headquarters along with ATR as part of the preparation to position Sarawak as an aerospace hub.
'Airbus expressed strong support for Sarawak's ambitions, as they proposed the Airbus-Sarawak Kenyalang Strategic Partnership Avenues, covering six key areas,' he said.
These include pathways towards Sustainable Aviation Fuel production, human capital development, industrial ecosystem development, the Digital Airline Journey, an Airbus consulting project for AirBorneo, and airspace operations.
In addition, Abang Johari said infrastructure planning in Sarawak will also benefit from international benchmarking, citing a visit to Abu Dhabi where he observed the integration of sea and air ports.
'By learning from global models like Abu Dhabi, whose ports connect seamlessly with international locations across the Middle East, Europe, Africa, and Asia, we can better design Sarawak's global linkages and domestic connectivity,' he said.
He also announced that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Abu Dhabi Ports Group and Bintulu Port Holdings Berhad was signed during the visit to foster long-term cooperation in port infrastructure and maritime logistics development.
Abang Johari gave assurance that the development of the new international airport and deep seaport in Kuching would involve private sector investments.
'There has been expression of interest by the private sector, local multi-national and international corporations to spearhead the projects,' he said.
The Premier also reiterated the government's commitment to strengthening Sarawak's multi-modal transport network across air, land, river and sea, adding that this would support the state's goal of becoming an Asean hub for renewable energy and the New Economy. abang johari aerotropolis DUN Kuching International Airport lead
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Free Malaysia Today
a day ago
- Free Malaysia Today
Federal-Sarawak agreement exempts state from some PDA requirements, says Abang Jo
Premier Abang Johari Openg said Sarawak will ensure clear, stable regulations to support gas industry growth following the affirmation of its authority over distribution. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA : The agreement by the federal and Sarawak governments as contained in their joint statement exempts the state from certain provisions under the Petroleum Development Act 1974 (PDA), said premier Abang Johari Openg. Abang Johari told the state assembly today the joint statement signed last Wednesday affirmed the recognition of Sarawak's executive authority over the distribution of gas within its territory and removed any perceived regulatory uncertainty. 'Federal laws like the Gas Supply Act 1993 do not apply to Sarawak, and the state is exempt from the requirements imposed by Sections 6(1) and 6(3) of the PDA to obtain the prime minister's permission to undertake distribution of gas business in Sarawak. 'This joint declaration reaffirms that federal and state laws on distribution of gas shall be respected by all persons undertaking the distribution and supply of gas in Sarawak,' The Borneo Post quoted him as saying. Last week, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the joint statement recognised Sarawak's growing capabilities and its rights under the PDA and the Distribution of Gas Ordinance, while preserving Petronas's strategic role at the national level. Among the matters in the joint statement is the understanding that all federal and Sarawak state laws related to the distribution of gas within the state must coexist and be respected by all parties conducting such activities in Sarawak, including Petronas and Petros. Petronas will continue to perform its functions, activities, responsibilities and obligations as mandated under the PDA and its associated regulations. Meanwhile, no Sarawak state law shall affect any agreements or arrangements between Petronas and its subsidiaries with third parties, including Petros, in relation to Petronas's activities in the state. Abang Johari said that with Sarawak's legislative and executive authority over gas distribution now affirmed, the state government would ensure regulatory clarity and stability to foster industry growth. 'Sarawak will implement its plans to increase gas production within its territory, sustainable utilisation of gas by industries, and for the production of clean energy,' he said. Such initiatives included the development of carbon capture and storage sites to tap into Sarawak's potential gas reserves off its western coast and to support the planned Kuching Low Carbon Gas Hub. 'All these projects will increase the gross domestic product for Sarawak by RM120 billion and create 185,000 high-income jobs,' he said.
The Sun
a day ago
- The Sun
HAWANA: Sarawak govt prepared to send journalists for executive course at Cambridge
KUCHING: The Sarawak government has expressed its willingness to send media practitioners who are also natives of the state to participate in an executive course related to journalism in Cambridge, United Kingdom. Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg stated that the approach was taken to enhance the quality of news reporting, thereby elevating the prestige of the country's journalism industry. 'If we can provide free tertiary education, of course, I have an allocation to send journalists for this executive programme. 'The selection of journalists to attend this executive course involves the collaboration of journalist associations in Sarawak to see the qualifications of candidates... I hope this effort will improve the quality of reporting, and specifically for media practitioners from Sarawak who have new ideas for the future of journalism,' he said. He told reporters after the Carbon Asia 2025 Conference, here, today. Earlier, Abang Johari was reported to have said that Sarawak plans to send two journalists to Cambridge, United Kingdom to participate in an executive course related to journalism to improve the standard of local news reporting to be on par with international standards. In conjunction with National Journalists Day (HAWANA) 2025, he also expressed his appreciation to the country's media practitioners. The HAWANA 2025 Main Event, scheduled to take place on June 14 at Kuala Lumpur World Trade Centre (KLWTC), will be officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and is expected to be attended by approximately 1,000 media practitioners from around the world. HAWANA, organised by the Ministry of Communications with the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) as the implementing agency, will feature various events including the Pantun Festival on May 31 and a pre-launch event with strategic partners at Wisma Bernama on June 3, as well as a media forum jointly organised with the Malaysian Press Institute (MPI) on June 14.
The Sun
a day ago
- The Sun
Sarawak ready to send journalists for Cambridge executive course
KUCHING: The Sarawak government has expressed its willingness to send media practitioners who are also natives of the state to participate in an executive course related to journalism in Cambridge, United Kingdom. Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg stated that the approach was taken to enhance the quality of news reporting, thereby elevating the prestige of the country's journalism industry. 'If we can provide free tertiary education, of course, I have an allocation to send journalists for this executive programme. 'The selection of journalists to attend this executive course involves the collaboration of journalist associations in Sarawak to see the qualifications of candidates... I hope this effort will improve the quality of reporting, and specifically for media practitioners from Sarawak who have new ideas for the future of journalism,' he said. He told reporters after the Carbon Asia 2025 Conference, here, today. Earlier, Abang Johari was reported to have said that Sarawak plans to send two journalists to Cambridge, United Kingdom to participate in an executive course related to journalism to improve the standard of local news reporting to be on par with international standards. In conjunction with National Journalists Day (HAWANA) 2025, he also expressed his appreciation to the country's media practitioners. The HAWANA 2025 Main Event, scheduled to take place on June 14 at Kuala Lumpur World Trade Centre (KLWTC), will be officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and is expected to be attended by approximately 1,000 media practitioners from around the world. HAWANA, organised by the Ministry of Communications with the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) as the implementing agency, will feature various events including the Pantun Festival on May 31 and a pre-launch event with strategic partners at Wisma Bernama on June 3, as well as a media forum jointly organised with the Malaysian Press Institute (MPI) on June 14.
