Sarawak to Build Sea Port, New Airport in Kuching
Sarawak will embark on two major infrastructure projects: a new international airport and a deep-sea port in Kuching, with an investment of RM100 billion over the next five to ten years. These projects aim to make Sarawak a regional aviation and sea hub, enhancing its attractiveness to businesses, investments, and visitors. The state government plans to build the new airport with state funds and may collaborate with Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd. The new airport will support Sarawak's new airline, which will take over MASwings, and is expected to serve up to 15 million passengers annually, tripling the current airport's capacity.
The deep-sea port project in Tanjong Embang will include a state-of-the-art gas terminal and is estimated to cost between RM25 billion and RM30 billion. This project is part of the Sarawak Gas Roadmap (SGR), which aims to channel natural gas to various parts of the state to boost the local economy. The federal government is expected to hand over the operation of Bintulu Port to the Sarawak government by 2025, making it a state port and continuing its role as Malaysia’s premier LNG port. The new airport and deep-sea port projects are designed to propel Sarawak to become a new economic force in Asia, with the airport also serving as a commercial cargo hub.
Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg emphasized that the new airport will be equipped with the latest technology and seamless infrastructure. The Sarawak government is scheduled to ink a sale-and-purchase agreement with Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), the parent company of MASwings, to acquire the airline. Following the signing, the transfer of ownership from MAG to the Sarawak government is expected to take six to nine months, subject to specific conditions. Post-acquisition, the Sarawak government will actively work on transforming MASwings into a regional carrier serving destinations with a four-to-seven hour air traveling range.
The new airport project is currently in the evaluation phase, with a preliminary study underway. Once the next phase preparations are ready, the Sarawak Premier will announce the project site, development cost, and other specifics. The deep-sea port project, undertaken by state-owned Petroleum Sarawak Bhd (Petros), will also include a state-of-the-art gas terminal on an artificial island. The Sarawak Gas Roadmap (SGR) will see natural gas being channeled to other parts of the state, ensuring that Sarawak can use more of its gas to develop the local economy rather than just exporting it.