KUCHING: The Sarawak Government plans to develop a new international airport in an effort to become a regional aviation hub for ASEAN countries.

Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, stated that this is part of the Sarawak Government's plan to support the growing aviation industry in the state.

He noted that this plan is also intended to accommodate the increasing traffic at Kuching International Airport (KIA).

"In addition, with the acquisition of MASwings, Sarawak is ready to become another regional aviation hub for ASEAN.

"Therefore, we plan to develop a new international airport in Kuching to support the growing aviation industry in Sarawak," he said in his winding-up speech during the 19th Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) session on Wednesday.

The Sarawak Premier added that with the comprehensive enhancement of transportation and logistics networks, Sarawak is poised to become an important regional hub for connectivity within ASEAN, in line with ASEAN Vision 2040, which aims to create an integrated economy.

Meanwhile, speaking to reporters afterward, the Sarawak Premier informed that the new international airport will be developed in Kuching, but its location will be announced later once it is identified.

He mentioned that the Sarawak Government will discuss with Malaysia Airport Holdings Berhad (MAHB) whether they want to collaborate with the state government to develop the new airport.

Furthermore, he added that if the plan is implemented, the existing KIA may be converted into a private airport.-UKASnews