New Kuching airport piques investor interest

KUCHING: Sarawak’s new Kuching International Airport, set to be a seamless, high-tech gateway, has already attracted investor interest, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

He said the new airport will be an ‘advanced airport’ that will enhance Sarawak’s connectivity, ease of travel, and appeal as an investment destination.

“This project started with our own funds, but now other players are coming in to invest in our new airport. This won’t be just an ordinary airport, we are modeling it after the likes of Abu Dhabi and Doha,” he said.

He said this at the closing of the last leg of the UDA Carnival @ Sarawak held at the Neu Pendington project site here Sunday (Oct 27).

Abang Johari said the new facility will integrate the latest digital technology for a seamless travel experience.

“Our airport will also be seamless, using the latest technology, so when people enter, exit, or check in, immigration will already be integrated.

“For our visitors and frequent travellers, this will be very convenient. That’s why we are enhancing our connectivity infrastructure, all reliant on digital technology,” he added.

He said the airport, designed to accommodate up to 15 million passengers annually, will drive demand for hotels, retail spaces, and supporting infrastructure, which in turn will create opportunities for further private investment.

Abang Johari also said the airport is just one piece of Sarawak’s ‘major strategic development’ to boost development, tourism and investment, alongside green energy transition and port development.

He noted that Sarawak sits within a five-hour flight from major Asian markets like India, China, and Asean countries, which represent around three billion people.

He then said Sarawak’s acquisition of MASwings and the launch of its own airline will play a crucial role in tapping into the vast potential of the Asean market.

“So, when visitors come, that is the market. I am taking this approach because it’s simple. India has over 1 billion people, China has over 1 billion, and Asean has 700 million, including, Korea, and Japan. If you combine them, that’s half of the world’s population in this region.

“They can arrive in just five hours. A short nap on the plane and visitors will arrive to enjoy our natural attractions and unique scenery. As we are centrally located, we can attract people to come to Sarawak,” he added.

Also present were UDA Holdings Berhad CEO and president Datuk Mohd Salem Kailany, Deputy State Secretary (Economic Planning and Development) Datuk Dr Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel, and Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) Deputy General Manager Rakayah