Latest news with #KuchingInternationalAirport
Borneo Post
4 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
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
The Star
4 days ago
- Business
- The Star
S'wak sovereign wealth fund given green light for global investments, says Abang Jo
KUCHING: The Sarawak Sovereign Wealth Future Fund has secured approval from the relevant authorities to proceed with global investments, says Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg. The Sarawak Premier said this marked a crucial step in portfolio diversification for the fund, which was set up last year. "It opens the door to international opportunities that will help maximise long-term returns for Sarawak and her people," he said in his winding-up speech at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly on Wednesday (May 28). ALSO READ: Sarawak plans consolidated investment entity, says Abang Johari ( Abang Johari said the selection of external fund managers was currently in progress. He said the first group, who would focus on fixed income investments, was now in the final stage of appointment, with more asset classes to be managed in the coming phases. "Our focus remains on capital preservation while laying the groundwork for sustainable, long-term growth, ensuring the fund becomes a lasting resource for future generations of Sarawakians," he added. Abang Johari also spoke on the new Kuching International Airport, saying it would be planned to accommodate 15 million passengers annually and be equipped with cutting-edge systems to ensure a seamless passenger experience from check-in to boarding. ALSO READ: Sarawak to set up sovereign wealth fund to boost state's financial sustainability ( Additionally, the airport will serve as an integrated aviation hub, with all terminals and support buildings interconnected. "This cohesive layout will enhance operational efficiency and foster stronger synergies across the entire aviation industry ecosystem," he said. Abang Johari gave his assurance that the development of the new airport and deep-sea port in Kuching would not be funded solely by the state government but would involve private sector investments. He said local multinational and international corporations had expressed interest in spearheading the projects.
New Straits Times
5 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Dutch firm appointed lead foreign consultant for new Kuching International Airport
KUCHING: The Sarawak government has appointed the Dutch firm, NACO Netherlands Airport Consultants, as the lead consultant for the feasibility study of the new Kuching International Airport. State Transport Minister Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin, in announcing the appointment today, said NACO will work with Jurutera Jasa (Sarawak) Sdn Bhd, the local consultant in the study. Lee said the collaboration between a foreign consultant with more than 75 years of global experience in aviation consultancy that has left it's footprints in over 700 airport projects worldwide, and a local consultant that has vast local knowledge, brings together "world-class international expertise and vital local knowledge for a comprehensive and high-quality study". He said with their combined expertise, he hoped it would lead to a "robust, high-impact feasibility study aligned with Sarawak's vision of developing a modern, future-ready, and sustainable international airport". The study is expected to be completed within nine months. On the appointment, Lee said NACO was appointed following a procurement process conducted in full compliance with established regulations and governance standards. He added that the selection was based on a thorough evaluation of technical qualifications, financial proposals and relevant experience "to ensure the consultant's ability to fulfil Sarawak's strategic aviation development objectives." NACO, he added, is renowned for excellence in airport planning, engineering, and operations, it is a world-leading firm in the development of aviation infrastructure and aerotropolis. The Hague-based firm has played an instrumental role in the development and expansion of globally acclaimed airports such as Hamad International Airport in Doha, Changi Airport in Singapore, Incheon International Airport in South Korea, Frankfurt Airport in Germany, and Amsterdam Schiphol Airport back in it's home country the Netherlands. Jurutera Jasa, on the other hand, has extensive experience in delivering numerous consultancy projects across Sarawak. That, Lee said, brings with it a deep understanding of Sarawak's infrastructure landscape, operational environment and technical requirements. Lee also said the study will include the assessment and verification of potential airport sites based on technical, operational, environmental and strategic criteria, followed by a detailed analysis of the preferred site to determine long-term viability and sustainability. "The study's scope covers site selection and airspace review, environmental and social impact assessments, demand forecasting and market analysis, economic and financial feasibility, transport connectivity and land use planning, preliminary concept planning with an emphasis on climate resilience, stakeholder engagement, and regulatory compliance." "This project marks a pivotal milestone in Sarawak's long-term aviation strategy, enabling aerotropolis development and creating new economic opportunities," Lee said.
New Straits Times
5 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
RM6 billion allocated for Kuching Urban Transportation System
KUCHING: The state government has allocated RM6 billion for the Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS), said state Transport Minister Datuk Lee Kim Shin today. He said of the amount, the capital expenditure has reached RM1.03 billion, underscoring the Sarawak government's strong financial commitment to this transformative project. "As of April 2025, the overall actual progress for KUTS Phase 1 stands at 29.89 per cent, against 33.86 per cent, which includes design and engineering works, system works, procurement, land acquisition and construction activities," Lee said in his winding up speech at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly. "As of today, a total of six infrastructure package contracts have been awarded under the project," he said, adding that out of these, two packages have been successfully completed — the advanced ground foundation works for the Rembus Depot and the construction of a three-kilometre stretch essential for the proof of concept (POC) trial run in Samarahan. He added that the remaining four packages were currently in progress, including the Blue Line Package 1, Blue Line Package 2, and the Red Line Package. He said the infrastructure package for Green Line is presently in the preparatory stage for tender. Lee said the state government was emphasising on green agenda in the transformation of the public transport system through initiatives such as development of KUTS, which will be powered by clean hydrogen energy. He said the initiatives reflect Sarawak's commitment to the National Green Investment Strategies and the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR). On the proposed development of the new Kuching International Airport (KIA) at Tanjung Embang in Kuching district, Lee said his ministry has recently appointed an international consultant in joint venture with a local consultant to undertake the site verification and feasibility study, marking a significant milestone in the early planning phase. He added the next phase, under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), will involve the formulation of a comprehensive aerotropolis master plan and detailed design of the new airport, covering all critical components such as terminal capacity, runway systems, airside and landside facilities, multimodal connectivity and scalability to meet future passenger and cargo demands. "This will prepare us for the subsequent construction phase of the new airport," he said. Lee said he was unable to provide the total cost of the new airport at this moment as the site verification and feasibility studies have yet to be completed before; thus any realistic cost estimation cannot be made. He said the construction of the new Kuching International Airport is a commitment to build critical infrastructure that supports economic transformation and positions Sarawak as a leading regional hub in the Borneo region.
Borneo Post
5 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sarawak appoints Dutch consultants for new Kuching Int'l Airport feasibility study
The current airport will be replaced by a new, state-of-the-art facility located in Tanjung Embang, Samarahan Division. – File photo by Chimon Upon KUCHING (May 26): Sarawak has appointed Netherlands Airport Consultants (NACO) as lead consultant to do a feasibility study on the new Kuching International Airport in Tanjung Embang. Sarawak Transport Minister Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin said the Netherlands-based international consultant will partner local company, Jurutera Jasa (Sarawak) Sdn Bhd, to carry out the study, which is scheduled to be completed by February next year. 'This strategic collaboration brings together world-class international expertise and vital local knowledge to ensure a comprehensive and high-quality study. It will be a thorough assessment,' he said at a press conference during the State Assembly sitting here today. Lee said the consultant will conduct a comprehensive feasibility study, which includes assessing and verifying potential airport sites based on technical, operational, environmental, and strategic criteria. This will be followed by a detailed analysis of the preferred site to determine its long-term viability and sustainability. Lee also said his ministry expects the airport development to be completed within five to six years after the feasibility report is finalised. 'The report will also include a financial model, so the development does not need to be fully funded by the state government. We are open to other investors, including public-private partnerships,' he said. He said NACO was selected after a thorough evaluation of its technical qualifications, financial proposals and relevant experience to ensure the consultant can meet Sarawak's strategic aviation development goals. Earlier, when winding up the debate for his ministry, Lee said the joint venture has marked a significant milestone in the early planning phase of the airport. 'Under the 13th Malaysia Plan, the next phase will focus on creating a detailed aerotropolis master plan and airport design, covering terminal capacity, runways, facilities, and transport connectivity to support future growth in passenger and cargo traffic. This phase will lay the groundwork for the airport's construction,' he said. – Bernama
