KUCHING: Sarawak’s plan to develop a new international airport and a deep-sea port at Tanjung Embang is a strategic necessity to propel the State into first-world status, not an overambitious undertaking, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Addressing questions on the proposed projects, Abang Johari stressed that world-class infrastructure is fundamental if Sarawak is serious about achieving developed status by 2030.
“Some questions our proposed development of an international airport and a deep seaport at Tanjung Embang.
“We must have first-world infrastructure in order to become a first-world development. If our airport is small, who will come?” he said when delivering his New Year 2026 Address at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here today (Jan 13).
He added that the projects are guided by a clear development philosophy rather than short-term considerations.
Abang Johari said Sarawak aspires to be on par with advanced economies such as Singapore, developed countries in Europe and leading nations in Asia, and must therefore avoid being trapped as a middle-income economy.
“We do not want to be trapped as a middle-income country. We must become a first-world economy, and therefore we have to invest in first-world infrastructure,” he said.
Abang Johari said that the proposed international airport and deep-sea port are strategic enablers that will significantly strengthen Sarawak’s logistics capabilities and position the state as a more competitive regional gateway.
He also pointed to the launch of AirBorneo and its inaugural services to Mukah earlier this year as evidence of the State’s commitment to enhancing air connectivity as a catalyst for regional development.
“For Sarawak, air connectivity is not a luxury but a necessity — it connects remote communities, supports trade and tourism, enables access to education and healthcare, and facilitates investment,” he said.
At the same time, he said planning and preparatory works for the new international airport and the deep-sea port at Tanjung Embang are progressing, underscoring the state’s long-term vision.
“Connectivity investments are not merely expenditure items. They are long-term enablers of opportunity, productivity, inclusion and competitiveness,” Abang Johari stressed.
He noted that with stronger institutions and sounder finances in place, the impact of the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 is becoming increasingly visible across the economy.
“Economic growth has become more diversified, connectivity has improved through infrastructure modernization, and development gaps between urban and rural areas are being progressively narrowed.
“Strategic investments in roads, bridges, water supply systems and digital connectivity have strengthened mobility, productivity and access to opportunities across Sarawak,” he said.
