BY NATASHA JEE & NEVILLE TIMOTHY SANDERS
KUCHING: Sarawak’s infrastructure development, including the proposed new international airport at Tanjung Embang, is being carried out with careful financial planning.
In stating this, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the development reflects a long-term vision, planning for what the state will look like 20 years from now.
“Some people ask why the need to build a new airport, and instead focus on the existing airport which costs RM100 million.
“That figure also includes building cargo facilities. In future, the existing airport will become congested.
“Even now, the toilets need an upgrade. That is why we are planning ahead,” he said.
He said this when officiating at the ground-breaking ceremony of the new Padawan Municipal Council (PMC) Office Complex, Mile 12, Jalan Kuching-Serian here today.
Abang Johari also recalled how the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) was once criticised during its construction, but is now a vital hub for the nation.
“Today, Kuching cannot keep going backwards. And we plan properly. While there are costs, we structure our finances carefully so as not to affect the state’s position,” he said.
It was previously reported that Stampin Member of Parliament, Chong Chieng Jen, had called on the state government to focus on the expansion of the current Kuching International Airport (KIA), costing RM100 million, instead of constructing a new airport.
He said the federal Ministry of Transport had proposed for the expansion of the KIA under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP).
However, the final approval will depend on the availability of fund and direction of the state government, which is currently undertaking a feasibility study on the proposed new airport.
Abang Johari, who is also the Finance and New Economy Minister, further said Sarawak’s revenue has doubled from RM6 billion in 2018 to RM14 billion today.
“We will also increase our income in accordance with the law and our rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
“We are not snatching from others. We have our rights, and we use those rights to provide comfort for Sarawakians,” he said.
Abang Johari, who is also the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) Chairman, said the state government will continue to uphold Sarawak’s rights under MA63 while ensuring development is carried out ethically and fairly.
“That is the struggle of GPS under my leadership and my colleagues. As a Muslim, I know it is sinful to take away the rights of others. The same goes for others taking our rights. If something is taken away, it must be returned.
“That is why, we govern our state based on ethics,” he said.
