PUTRAJAYA: The Federal Government is open to a decentralised model for the proposed New Kuching International Airport, potentially giving Sarawak a greater role in the project’s development.
Sarawak Transport Minister Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin said the proposal was among the key outcomes of a meeting with Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook on May 26, where both sides discussed aviation development, air connectivity, rail infrastructure and logistics issues affecting the state.
Welcoming the Federal Government’s openness, Lee described the decentralised approach as a more collaborative model that would allow the Sarawak Government to play a greater role in the planning and implementation of the proposed airport.
The discussions centred on the proposed New Kuching International Airport (NKIA), including the submission of the Aerodrome Development Request to the Federal Government.
“The proposed NKIA is part of Sarawak’s long-term vision to strengthen our position as a regional aviation hub and improve connectivity for both passengers and cargo movement,” Lee said in statement yesterday (May 29).
The meeting also highlighted growing concerns over domestic airfares in Sarawak, with Lee proposing that the Kuching-Sibu, Kuching-Bintulu and Kuching-Miri routes be reinstated under the Rural Air Services Public Service Obligation (PSO) framework.
He said the move could help address long-standing complaints over expensive air travel within the state while improving accessibility for communities that rely heavily on air transport.
“Air connectivity is extremely important for Sarawak due to our geographical size and dispersed population. Reviving these routes under the PSO framework could help make domestic travel more affordable and accessible for the people,” he said.
The possibility of introducing airfare cap mechanisms on the routes was also discussed.
In response, Loke suggested that AirBorneo could explore operating the services commercially using its ATR72 aircraft fleet.
The meeting further reviewed the latest developments involving AirBorneo following the Sarawak Government’s acquisition of MASwings operations, including plans to expand beyond the Rural Air Services network.
In a boost for tourism in the highlands, Lee announced that additional flights between Miri and Bario have been approved ahead of the upcoming Pesta NUKENEN in July.
The extra flights are expected to accommodate increased visitor demand during the annual festival, which showcases Bario’s unique culture, food and heritage.
Beyond aviation, the ministers discussed the proposed Bintulu-Samalaju rail link under the wider Trans-Borneo Railway initiative, a project seen as critical to strengthening industrial and logistics connectivity between two of Sarawak’s major economic hubs.
Lee said the rail link would support future industrial expansion and economic growth, particularly in the rapidly developing Samalaju Industrial Park.
The meeting also addressed concerns from transport operators over the implementation of Speed Limitation Devices (SLDs) for commercial vehicles.
Lee urged the Federal Government to increase the number of SLD suppliers and installers in Sarawak to ensure smoother compliance for operators across the state.
Loke said the number of suppliers and installers had already been expanded significantly to meet growing demand, including in Sarawak.
Meanwhile, the Weight Restriction Order (WRO) affecting heavy vehicles, particularly along the Pan Borneo Highway, was also raised.
Although Loke clarified that the matter falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Works, Lee said the Ministry of Transport Sarawak would continue engaging with the relevant authorities to address concerns raised by transport operators and road users.
Lee said the discussions reflected the strong working relationship between the Federal and Sarawak governments in tackling transportation challenges and enhancing connectivity to support the state’s continued growth and development.
