Sarawak is in the process of finalising the detailed masterplan for the Tanjung Embang development, with physical and infrastructure works expected to begin in 2027 through a public-private partnership (PPP) approach.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the project forms part of Sarawak’s broader strategy to remain competitive as the state moves into its next phase of development.
Abang Johari said the development of Tanjung Embang is anchored on the Kuching Low-Carbon Hub (KLCH), which focuses on sustainability, innovation and high-value investments.
He said KLCH is being developed as an extension of the Sarawak Gas Roadmap, which leverages natural gas resources to create value across four key hubs — Kuching, Bintulu, Samalaju and Miri.
“Building on the roadmap, we are now developing the integrated Kuching Low-Carbon Hub in Tanjung Embang, centred on sustainability, innovation and high-value investment,” he said in his winding-up speech during the DUN Sitting today (May 20).
He added that natural gas from western Sarawak will provide reliable lower-carbon energy to support industries such as advanced manufacturing, food processing, the digital economy and circular economy activities.
Abang Johari said KLCH is already attracting strong international interest, with strategic partnerships established with China Jiangsu International and Japan’s Sumitomo Corporation.
“Growing interest from Europe and other regions reflects confidence in KLCH’s long-term potential,” he said.
He said Tanjung Embang, with its strategic location and shared infrastructure, is well positioned to emerge as a competitive low-carbon gateway for trade, logistics and green industries.
A key component of the masterplan, he added, is the development of the New Kuching International Airport (NKIA) and a deep-sea port to strengthen connectivity and support regional and global supply chains.
Abang Johari said the NKIA will be developed as a future-ready aviation hub with an initial capacity of 15 million passengers annually, scalable to 60 million, while also enhancing air cargo and maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services.
He added that the deep-sea port will handle larger cargo volumes, support industrial expansion, and complement existing hubs such as Bintulu and Samalaju, further strengthening Sarawak’s position in global trade networks.
