Abang Johari defends massive investment, saying Sarawak aims to serve the 700 million-strong Asean market as a regional hub.
KUCHING: Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg has defended the state government’s plans to invest billions of ringgit in constructing a new international airport and seaport in Tanjung Embang, saying the projects are essential for transforming Sarawak into a major regional aviation and maritime hub.
He said criticism surrounding the massive expenditure fails to take into account Sarawak’s broader economic ambitions, which extend beyond its population of 2.8 million people.
According to a statement issued by the State Public Communications Unit, Abang Johari said Sarawak is positioning itself as a strategic gateway serving the wider ASEAN market.
“There are those questioning why we are spending so much to build a new international airport and a new seaport in Tanjung Embang.
“These critics say Sarawak only has a population of 2.8 million.
“My answer is that we in Sarawak are aiming to become the central hub for the whole of Asean.
“We are planning ahead to tap into the potential of the 11 Asean countries with a combined population of more than 700 million,” he said during the Kuching Port Authority 65th Anniversary gathering on Friday night.
The Premier did not disclose the estimated cost of the projects during his speech.
However, during a working visit to Dubai in May last year, he indicated that the development of the new airport and seaport could require financing of up to RM100 billion.
At the time, he said Sarawak intended to model the projects after some of the world’s leading transport infrastructure systems, including Zayed International Airport and Khalifa Port in the United Arab Emirates.
“The Zayed International Airport and Khalifa Port have among the most advanced and efficient systems in the world.
“Sarawak will follow their model for the state’s new international airport and seaport,” he had said during the visit.
Tanjung Embang is located within the Samarahan district, approximately 30km from Kuching.
Abang Johari had also previously expressed hope that foreign investors would participate in financing the large-scale infrastructure developments.
The proposed projects are expected to rank among Sarawak’s largest infrastructure undertakings and form part of the state’s broader strategy to strengthen trade connectivity, logistics capabilities and international economic competitiveness.
