New Kuching airport site not finalised yet, says Abdul Karim

KUCHING (Oct 1): Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah today declined to reveal the location of the proposed new Kuching airport, despite speculations that it may be situated in the Beliong area.

When questioned by reporters, he said that even if he knew the exact location, it was not his place to make the announcement since Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg is the one responsible for doing so.

“We are still in the preliminary stages. Once everything is finalised and all evaluations are completed, we will make the announcement.

“Currently, there are a few places in the state that the government is evaluating, but nothing is certain yet. We need to be sure before proceeding,” he added at the Old Court House.

Abdul Karim also revealed that the government has identified two or three potential sites for the new airport.

“Historically, Sarawak had three main locations: Kuching International Airport (KIA), a former site along the route to Sri Aman, and another site in Trombol.

“However, factors like wind patterns, mountainous terrain and other strategic considerations must be thoroughly examined before making a decision,” he said.

Separately, Abdul Karim also commented on the discovery of aircraft wreckage near the Sabah-Sarawak border, believed to be a Japanese Zero fighter from World War II.

He said the find would be reported to the Sarawak Museum Department for further research and preservation as a potential historical artefact.

“There are actually two wreckages. Another wreck, reportedly an American aircraft, was also found in Lawas but has not yet been preserved.

“We’ll let the museum department investigate further as these discoveries could serve as important historical materials,” he said.

Earlier, Abdul Karim officiated the launch of What About Kuching (WAK) 2024 festival at the Gardens of The Old Courthouse.

Also present were Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Snowdan Lawan, Kuching South mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng, and other officials.

This year’s WAK Festival, as it has been in the past, will be running throughout October, and is set to hold more than 200 daily events and activities.