Latest news with #KuchingInternationalAirport
Borneo Post
4 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
MAHB offers technical support for new Kuching International Airport project
Photo shows the exterior of the current Kuching International Airport. – Photo by Chimon Upon KUCHING (July 29): Discussions surrounding the proposed New Kuching International Airport (NKIA) are still ongoing, said Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) managing director Datuk Mohd Izani Ghani, as quoted in a report by the New Straits Times. He said the Sarawak government had requested for technical assistance, and MAHB has instructed its internal teams to render support where feasible. 'I think in terms of helping on technical matters, I've told my team: let's help, let's work together, and do as much as we can. Beyond that, we can't do more because the discussion between the state and federal is still ongoing. So, we leave it at that,' he told a media briefing on MAHB's strategic direction post-privatisation in Sepang yesterday. According to Mohd Izani, MAHB reserves the right to decline management of any new airport under the existing operating agreement, but stressed the company's commitment to supporting both federal and state aviation development policies. Earlier this month, the state Transport Ministry said Sarawak and the Netherlands are exploring broader areas of collaboration in airport design, operations and sustainable aviation practices, particularly in relation to the proposed NKIA. It said both parties engaged in meaningful discussions on the future of Sarawak's aviation sector, with a particular focus on the NKIA project. Earlier this year, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg announced Sarawak's new state-of-the-art international airport will be located in Tanjung Embang, Samarahan Division near the deep-sea port presently under development in the area. He said Tanjung Embang was selected over Matang for the airport project due to logistical challenges including airspace constraints near Indonesian territory.
Borneo Post
14-07-2025
- Borneo Post
High Court acquits man charged with trafficking 7.3kg meth at KIA
(From right) Chin, Osman and Max pose at the court lobby after the proceedings. KUCHING (July 14): The High Court here today discharged and acquitted a 40-year-old man from a charge of trafficking 7.3kg of methamphetamine at Kuching International Airport (KIA) two years ago. Judge Leonard David Shim ruled that the prosecution had failed to establish a prima facie case against Max Donald James Jimmy at the close of the prosecution's case. Max was charged under Section 39B(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, punishable under Section 39B(2) of the same Act, which carries the death penalty or life imprisonment and with not less than 15 strokes of the cane, upon conviction. He allegedly committed the offence at the international arrival hall of KIA at around 11.35pm on May 20, 2023. It was informed that on May 20, 2023, the gross weight of the box checked in by Max at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) was 15kg; however, when the same box was seized by police at KIA, the recorded weight was only approximately 10.3kg. The discrepancy in weight was neither investigated nor explained by the investigating officer. The defence argued that the weight difference was significant and materially affected the prosecution's case, especially since no further investigation was conducted to account for the inconsistency. This, they contended, raised reasonable doubt over the prosecution's case. The defence also submitted that there was a possibility the contents of the box may have been tampered with or handled by unknown parties. The prosecution, led by deputy public prosecutor Mohd Fillanny Siji, had called a total of nine witnesses. Max was represented by counsels Osman Ibrahim and Roger Chin. acquittal Court drug trafficking Kuching International Airport
Borneo Post
03-07-2025
- Automotive
- Borneo Post
Access road to KIA southern zone expected completion within this month, says Kota Sentosa rep
Wang (centre) briefs Yap (left) on the progress of the road project. KUCHING (July 3): The access road to the southern zone of Kuching International Airport (KIA) is almost completed, said Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap. When updating the public on the status of its work progress, Yap said the physical progress of the project was at 95 per cent as of June 25. Having been briefed by Public Works Department (JKR) Kuching Divisional Engineer Wang Say Kwang during a meeting yesterday, Yap in a statement highlighted the remaining works and their targeted completion dates. 'Road A/D Junction: 300 metres of road widening works are in progress and are targeted for completion by July 7; Road A (Sungai Kuap Bridge Approaches): 750 metres of road base construction from CH3+200 to CH3+950 is ongoing and targeted for completion by July 21; and Street Lighting, Substation and Traffic Light: Following verification of the substation platform by Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) this week, all electrical systems will be energised, with all related works scheduled for completion by July 31,' he said. A critical component of this project involves the Underpass Airfield Ground Lighting (AGL) system, which requires relocation of the existing AGL to a new vertical profile that complies fully with stringent aviation safety standards and, this includes raising 13 rows of AGL poles along the aircraft approach flight path, Yap said. He added that due to the high level of technical complexity and safety considerations, this work required approvals from the Malaysia Airports Sdn Bhd (MASB); Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) Kuching Office and; CAAM Division of Air Navigation Services and Aerodrome (ANSA) Kuala Lumpur. 'I am pleased to inform that the final approval from the CAAM Division of ANSA Kuala Lumpur was officially granted via email on July 1, 2025. 'This approval marks a significant milestone, enabling the contractor to proceed with the remaining AGL works and, the contractor has indicated that they will require approximately one month to complete these activities,' said Yap. In line with the highest safety precautions, he said the road can only be opened to public use after the completion of the scheduled Flight Testing Window from this Sept 21 to 26, which is necessary to ensure that all airfield safety systems are fully operational and certified. Yap said he has requested JKR to supervise and monitor the project contractor closely, now that all regulatory approvals have been secured, to ensure that all outstanding works are completed in a timely manner. 'I would like to ask for the patience and understanding of all road users and residents, as these final steps are critical to uphold aviation safety and public safety. It is our shared priority to ensure the road is opened safely for public use by the end of September 2025. 'I wish to extend my appreciation to JKR, all relevant agencies, the contractor, and stakeholders for their cooperation and commitment to the successful delivery of this important infrastructure project that will benefit the people of Kuching and Sarawak,' he concluded. access road Kuching International Airport Wilfred Yap
Borneo Post
23-06-2025
- Science
- Borneo Post
Unesco field evaluators arrive to conduct final assessment for Sarawak Delta Geopark
Hamden puts a sash with traditional Iban motifs on Pagés while Jiménez looks on. — Photo by Roystein Emmor KUCHING (June 24): Two United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) field evaluators arrived here yesterday to conduct the final evaluation of the Sarawak Delta Geopark (SDGp) for Unesco Global Geopark (UGGp) status. Jean-Simon Pagés from France and Antonio Garcia Jiménez from Spain were welcomed at the Kuching International Airport arrival hall by Sarawak director of forests Datu Hamden Mohammad. 'We are proud to announce that the Unesco field evaluation mission is scheduled for June 23 to 26. This mission represents the final, most critical step in becoming the first Unesco Global Geopark in the state,' he said. Hamden said during the four-day mission, the two evaluators would visit a range of significant sites showcasing the unique geological, biological and cultural diversity of the Sarawak Delta. These include the Schist Tuang in Semeba and Paku Rock Maze in Bau; Wind Cave Nature Reserve in Bau; Semenggoh Nature Reserve in Padawan; Borneo Cultures Museum in Kuching; Sarawak Cultural Village in Santubong; Kampung Peros, Krokong in Bau; and SMK Paku in Bau. He said this was a pivotal milestone that would determine whether the SDGp meets the rigorous UGGp standards set by Unesco. 'It also represents a significant opportunity to highlight Sarawak's commitment to sustainable development, geo-conservation, education and community empowerment through geopark initiatives.' The SDGp is a unique region that features rich geological diversity and stunning landscapes spanning an area of 3,112 square kilometres. Hamden (third left) takes a group photo with Pagés (fourth left) and Jiménez (fourth right). — Photo by Roystein Emmor It is home to various indigenous tribes that not only sustain themselves, but preserve and cultivate their distinct cultures and traditions. The region's geological history reflects significant transformations in the Earth's surface, driven by tectonic activity around 250 million years ago. The changes are not confined to Southeast Asia, but also illustrate geological phenomena spanning both Europe and Asia — as a result, many sites within the Sarawak Delta represent geological heritage of international significance. 'The SDGp team extends its sincere appreciation to all partners, stakeholders and local communities who have contributed to the preparation for this evaluation. We look forward to a successful mission that will place Sarawak on the global geopark map,' said Hamden. geology Hamden Mohammad Sarawak Delta Geopark Unesco Global geopark
The Sun
23-06-2025
- General
- The Sun
RMAF CN-235 skids at Kuching Airport due to gear issue
KUALA LUMPUR: The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) CN-235 transport aircraft that skidded while landing at Kuching International Airport (KIA) this morning experienced a nose landing gear issue. RMAF's Public Relations Division, in a statement today, confirmed the 11.15 am incident, which had gone viral on social media. 'The aircraft from the No. 1 Squadron, Kuching Air Base, encountered a nose landing gear problem while landing after completing a logistics flight from Labuan and Kota Kinabalu. 'All crew members and passengers are safe and did not sustain injuries. RMAF will set up a board of inquiry to determine the cause of the incident,' the statement read. Earlier, Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB), via its official Facebook page, informed that the runway at KIA was temporarily closed following the incident to facilitate the removal of the RMAF aircraft and runway cleaning operations. A Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) was issued and the closure remained in effect until 3 pm. During this period, all flight operations at the airport were disrupted. The airport authorities will provide updates once the runway is declared safe and reopened for flight operations by the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM).
