26-05-2025
‘New Kuching Airport project cost to be known only after completion of feasibility study'
Lee has stressed that it would be premature to speculate on the project's cost without any data from the ongoing study.
KUCHING (May 26): The state government will only be able to determine the actual cost of the new Kuching International Airport (KIA) after the newly-appointed consultant has completed the comprehensive feasibility study.
This was highlighted the Minister of Transport Sarawak Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin at a press conference held in the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Complex today.
Adding on, he stressed that it would be premature to speculate on the project's cost without any data from the ongoing study.
'We cannot simply give a figure at this stage. That's why we hope the consultant would come back with a full report.
'Any previous estimates are rough assumptions. For more reliable information, we must wait for the study,' he said at the conference, which was called after he had presented the ministerial winding-up speech at the DUN sitting.
Lee said that the study would also cover detailed financial modelling to assess the viability of the different funding structures, including public-private partnerships (PPP).
'It (the project) doesn't have to be fully funded by the government. There are potential investors who may want to come in.
'We can explore the PPP model as part of the development.'
On May 21, the state government appointed NACO Netherlands Airport Consultants as the lead consultant for the 'New KIA Feasibility Study', with Jurutera Jasa (Sarawak) Sdn Bhd as the local partner.
'NACO, a globally renowned firm headquartered in The Hague, brings over 75 years of aviation consultancy experience, having contributed to more than 700 airport projects including major international airports such as Changi, Incheon, Schiphol and Hamad.
'Jurutera Jasa brings the essential local expertise and a strong understanding of Sarawak's infrastructure needs,' said Lee.
According to him, the feasibility study will span nine months – covering a wide range of aspects including site selection, environmental and social impact assessments, demand forecasting, transport connectivity, airspace analysis, land use planning, economic viability, and preliminary airport design with a focus on climate resilience.
'This strategic partnership between NACO and Jurutera Jasa allows us to leverage international best practices and local insights to support Sarawak's vision of building a modern, sustainable airport and developing an aerotropolis.'
Lee also said the outcome of the study would lay the foundation for the next phases of development including aerotropolis master planning, detailed design work, and eventual construction.
'The project is a key milestone in Sarawak's aviation strategy. It will drive regional growth and improve air connectivity for years to come,' he underscored.
Also present at the press conference were the deputy ministers Datuk Dr Jerip Susil and Dato Henry Harry Jinep, Deputy State Secretary (Economic Planning and Development) Dato Sri Dr Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel, and the ministry's permanent secretary Datu Wong Hee Sieng. cost Lee Kim Shin new airport project completion
