DAP Sarawak backs development, questions practicality of KIA relocation
KUCHING (May 29): The Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sarawak is not against any development for the prosperity of Sarawak, said Michael Kong.
The special assistant to Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen, said this in response to recent remarks from Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap, urging him to engage with the legitimate questions raised by Chong regarding the cost and practicality of relocating the proposed multi-billion-ringgit Kuching International Airport (KIA) to Tanjung Embang.
'Yap's dismissive remarks once again show SUPP (Sarawak United People's Party)'s true colours – more interested in cheerleading for GPS (Gabungan Parti Sarawak) than genuinely scrutinising public expenditure or looking after the people's interest.
'This is classic SUPP behaviour. When it comes from GPS, they clap; when it is from DAP Sarawak, they shoot it down,' he said in a statement.
Kong clarified that Chong was questioning the cost, location, and long-term impact of relocating the KIA to Tanjung Embang – a site that would require travellers to endure up to two hours of travel (considering traffic and distance) just to catch a flight.
He added that this would force travellers to leave their homes at least three hours before flight time.
'We must learn from examples like Kuala Lumpur, where in 2020 alone, traffic congestion was estimated to cost the nation RM20 billion annually, including losses in productivity, fuel and health-related costs due to pollution.
'Are we heading down the same road?'
Stressing that DAP was not opposing merely for the sake of it, Kong said the party was proposing realistic, people-friendly alternatives.
One of such proposals, he pointed out, would be relocating the Air Force base currently adjacent to KIA, which could free up valuable land for terminal expansion and facility upgrades at the existing location.
'This is not a radical idea, as similar moves have been done before.
'The Air Force base at Sungai Besi was successfully relocated to pave the way for Bandar Malaysia, proving that such strategic decisions can yield high-value outcomes.
'Expanding KIA in its current location would be far more cost-effective than building a new airport from scratch.
'On top of that, it will allow surrounding areas like Mile 7, Jalan Sungai Tapang, and Stampin Resettlement Scheme to benefit from the economic spillover.'
He added that efforts could be made to develop Tanjung Embang into a vibrant ecotourism destination, complementing Muara Tebas and Asajaya.
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