Sarawak will invest RM100 billion in two major infrastructure projects, a new international airport and a deep-sea port in Kuching, throughout the next five to ten years. These projects aim to transform Sarawak into a regional aviation and marine hub, increasing its appeal to corporations, investors, and tourists. The state government intends to develop the new airport using state funds and may forge a partnership with Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd. The new airport will serve Sarawak’s new airline, which will take over MASwings, and is estimated to handle up to 15 million passengers per year, triple the current airport’s capacity.
The deep-sea port project in Tanjong Embang will feature a cutting-edge gas terminal and is expected to cost between RM25 billion and RM30 billion. This project represents a Sarawak Gas Roadmap (SGR) component, which intends to distribute natural gas around the state to benefit the local economy. By 2025, the federal government will give over the operations of Bintulu Port to the Sarawak government, transforming it into a state port while maintaining its status as Malaysia’s top LNG port. The new airport and deep-sea port developments aim to drive Sarawak into a new economic powerhouse in Asia, with the airport also functioning as a commercial cargo hub.
“I am confident that the proposed new international airport in Kuching will add another x-factor to the ecosystem that would make Sarawak attractive to businesses, investment and visitors,” said the Sarawak Premier, Abang Johari.
According to Sarawak Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, the new airport project is being evaluated, and preliminary research is underway.
He stated that after the next round of preparations, the Sarawak Premier, Abang Johari, will disclose the project site, development cost, and other details.
