KUCHING: The proposed new Kuching International Airport is not a waste of resources but rather a “bridge” that will connect Sarawak to international markets.

Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, said although the project could cost around RM10 billion, Sarawak needs its own air connectivity as the region is located on an island.

He was responding to questions raised by some parties on the rationale of building a new international airport when the state already has one.

“Some may ask, why build a new airport? Yes, it may cost about RM10 billion, but the fact remains that Borneo, Sarawak—is an island. We need a bridge, and that bridge is AirBorneo, giving us access to global markets,” he said during the official opening of Affin Bank’s Hikmah Exchange branch here on Tuesday.

He added that stronger air connectivity is crucial, especially as Sarawakians are already exporting agricultural produce to neighbouring markets such as Singapore and Brunei.

“Just last weekend, at our Agrofest, a Malay woman entrepreneur was exporting Dayak aubergine to Brunei and Singapore. This proves the strength of our agricultural products and the opportunities that lie ahead,” he explained.

Also present were Sarawak Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Professor Dr. Sim Kui Hian, Sarawak Minister of Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development, Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, Acting Sarawak Secretary, Dato Sri Dr. Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel, Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew, Deputy Minister for Utilities (Sarawak Energy Berhad and PETROS), Dato Ibrahim Baki, Sarawak Financial Secretary, Dato Sri Dr. Wan Lizozman Wan Omar, Chairman of Credit Guarantee Corporation Malaysia Berhad (CGC Malaysia), Dato Mohammed Hussein, President and CEO of CGC Malaysia, Datuk Mohd Zamree Mohd Ishak, Chairman of Affin Bank, Dato Agil Natt and other distinguished guests. -UKASnews