Proposed new Kuching airport, Tanjong Embang deep-sea port among 10 questions by Padungan rep for upcoming DUS sitting

Chong Chieng Jen

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, May 7: Questions on the proposed new Kuching International Airport and the planned deep-sea port at Tanjong Embang are among 10 questions submitted by Padungan assemblyman Chong Chieng Jen for the upcoming Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) sitting from May 11 to 20.

In a notice submitted under Standing Order 19 dated April 27, Chong asked the Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, to reveal the results of the feasibility study on the proposed new Kuching International Airport as well as the estimated construction cost of the project.

He also sought an update on the status of the proposed deep-sea port at Tanjong Embang, including the estimated cost of construction.

The other questions submitted by Chong covered matters related to foreign direct investment (FDI), free tertiary education, food security, the State government’s private jet, the Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS), State debts, the impact of the US-Iran war on Sarawak, and vacant Kuching Municipal Council (KMC) flats.

To the Minister for International Trade, Industry and Investment Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, Chong requested details on approved FDI for Sarawak in 2024 and 2025, including the percentage of investments that had materialised and the description and amount of the investments involved.

He also asked the Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn whether the State government would extend the Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) to Sarawakian students studying in public and private universities other than the four State-owned universities.

On food security, Chong asked the Minister for Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom to state Sarawak’s current Self-Sufficiency Level (SSL) and the balance of trade involving food imports and exports for 2025 and the first quarter of 2026.

In another question directed to the Premier, he requested details on how much the State government had spent on the private jet since 2023 and the basis on which Cempaka Helicopter Corporation Sdn Bhd was selected to supply the aircraft.

Regarding the KUTS project, Chong sought an update on the progress of the Automated Rapid Transit (ART) system, the amount paid so far, and the estimated completion dates for the various lines.

He also requested a list of debts owed or guaranteed by the State government and its subsidiaries to the Federal government, private banks, and bondholders, including details such as principal amounts, interest payable, purpose of the debts, and repayment terms.

Referring to the US-Iran war, Chong further asked the Premier to explain its impact on Sarawak and the measures the State government would take to assist small and medium enterprises (SMEs) facing energy and supply chain challenges arising from the conflict.

His final question was directed to the Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian regarding vacant units at the three-storey and seven-storey KMC flats, including the number of vacant units, how long they had remained empty, and the rationale for not renting them out to those in need of accommodation. — DayakDaily