KUCHING: The Sarawak Government is in the process of finalising the detailed master plan for the development of the Kuching Low Carbon Hub Integrated (KLCH) mega project in Tanjung Embang.

Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg said that physical development of the project is expected to commence as early as 2027 through a public-private partnership (PPP) approach.

“We are in the process of finalizing the detailed Master Plan, with physical and infrastructure development expected to begin in 2027 through a PPP approach," he said.

He said this during his winding-up session in conjunction with the 19th Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) Sitting on Wednesday.

The Sarawak Premier noted that the core components of the master plan include the New Kuching International Airport (NKIA) and a deep-sea port, which will strengthen trade connectivity and enhance Sarawak's participation in regional and global supply chains.

According to him, NKIA will be developed as a future aviation hub with an initial capacity of 15 million passengers per year, with the potential to be expanded up to 60 million passengers.

He added that the development of the airport will not only improve passenger travel efficiency but also reinforce air cargo logistics as well as aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services.

Meanwhile, the planned deep-sea port is expected to handle larger cargo volumes, support industrial growth, and complement the roles of existing hubs in Bintulu and Samalaju.

In the meantime, Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari shared that the project is increasingly gaining the attention of international investors, as Sarawak has already forged strategic collaborations with China Jiangsu International and Japan's Sumitomo Corporation.

He added that growing interest from Europe and several other regions further reflects global confidence in the long-term potential of KLCH.

He stated that the strategic location of Tanjung Embang and the planned infrastructure sharing will turn the area into a competitive, low-carbon gateway for trade, logistics, and green industries.

Aside from that, Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari noted that the development of the state-owned airline, AirBorneo, is also part of Sarawak's strategy to reinforce regional connectivity and the economy.

According to him, AirBorneo will be developed in phases, with the first phase focusing on Rural Air Services (PSO) operations in Sabah and Sarawak before expanding to strategic domestic and regional routes based on market demand.

He said that the initial jet operations of AirBorneo are expected to launch on selected routes from Kuching to Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu, Jakarta, and Singapore by July 2026. — UKASnews

Prepared by: Nur Nabilla
Photo by: Ibanez Jeffery Guang
Translator: Ryan Lim