SARAWAK’S commitment to modernising its aviation infrastructure has taken a major leap forward with the appointment of an international consultant, working jointly with a local firm, to carry out the Site Verification and Feasibility Study for the proposed new Kuching International Airport (KIA).
According to Transport Minister Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin, studies must be completed before a realistic cost estimation can be determined.
“The consultant for the study has already been appointed.
“We must wait for the studies to be completed before any realistic cost estimation can be made,” he said when presenting his ministerial winding up speech at the august House today (May 26).
He emphasised that this marks a significant milestone in the early planning phase of what is envisioned to be a smart and futuristic airport aligned with Sarawak’s digital transformation agenda.
As part of Sarawak’s long-term aviation strategy, the new KIA will harness the latest technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), to deliver a seamless passenger experience.
The next phase of the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) involves developing a comprehensive aerotropolis master plan and detailed airport design.
This will include key components such as terminal capacity, runway systems, airside and landside facilities, multimodal connectivity, and scalability to meet future passenger and cargo demands.
Meanwhile, attention is also being given to the growing demands at Miri Airport.
According to Lee, the airport is witnessing a consistent rise in passenger traffic in 2024, exceeding its original design capacity of 2 million, so an urgent need for an upgrade is required.
“In 2024, passenger movements had reached 2.07 million, once again exceeding the airport’s capacity.
“This growing demand emphasises the urgent need for upgrades and expansion to enhance safety, service quality and operational efficiency,” he said.
Additionally, he said that the Sarawak government, with strong backing from the federal government through the Ministry of Transport Malaysia, has initiated a comprehensive development project at Miri Airport.
“The key components include upgrading the existing terminal building, extending the passenger pier and aerobridges, and reconfiguring and expanding both landside and airside infrastructure.
“The federal government, through the Ministry of Economy, allocated RM3.2 million earlier this year for preliminary works, which include soil investigation, utility mapping, building condition assessment, conceptual design, and preliminary cost estimates.