PUTRAJAYA: Sarawak Minister for Transport Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, has welcomed the Federal Government’s openness to explore a decentralised model for airport development as part of ongoing discussions on the proposed New Kuching International Airport (NKIA).

According to a statement, the matter was among the key outcomes of a courtesy call on Minister of Transport Anthony Loke Siew Fook here on 26 May, during which both parties discussed several strategic transport matters affecting Sarawak, including aviation development, domestic air connectivity, railway infrastructure and logistics issues.

“Dato Sri Lee said the decentralised approach under consideration for NKIA reflects a more collaborative model of development, allowing the Sarawak Government to play a greater role in the planning and implementation of the project while supporting Sarawak’s long-term aviation and economic aspirations.

“The meeting touched on the proposed New Kuching International Airport (NKIA), including the submission of the Aerodrome Development Request to the Federal Government,” it said on Friday.

Dato Sri Lee said the Sarawak Government remains committed to strengthening the region’s aviation infrastructure to support future economic growth and growing passenger demand.

“The proposed NKIA is part of Sarawak’s long-term vision to strengthen our position as a regional aviation hub and improve connectivity for both passengers and cargo movement,” he said.

He noted that the meeting also provided an opportunity to discuss rising domestic airfares in Sarawak, where he proposed reviving the Kuching–Sibu, Kuching–Bintulu and Kuching–Miri routes under the Rural Air Services Public Service Obligation (PSO) framework.

He said the proposal could help improve connectivity and ease the financial burden on Sarawakians travelling within the state.

“Air connectivity is extremely important for Sarawak due to our geographical size and dispersed population. Reviving these routes under the PSO framework could help make domestic travel more affordable and accessible for the people,” he said.

“The possibility of introducing airfare cap mechanisms for the affected routes was also discussed and in response, Anthony Loke suggested that AirBorneo could explore operating the routes commercially using its available ATR72 aircraft.

“The meeting also discussed the latest developments involving AirBorneo following the Sarawak Government’s acquisition of MASwings operations, including future expansion plans beyond the Rural Air Services (RAS) network,” the statement said.

Meanwhile, Dato Sri Lee announced that additional flights between Miri and Bario have been approved in conjunction with the upcoming Food and Cultural Festival (Pesta NUKENEN) scheduled for July 2026 to cater for the expected increase in travel demand during the festival period.

He expressed hope that more visitors would take the opportunity to visit Bario and experience its unique culture, scenic highland environment and local hospitality.

The meeting also touched on Sarawak’s proposed Bintulu–Samalaju rail link under the wider Trans-Borneo Railway initiative.

“The rail link is important in strengthening industrial and logistics connectivity between Bintulu and Samalaju, particularly in supporting future economic growth and industrial development in the area,” he said.

The statement also said that the discussion covered the implementation of the Speed Limitation Device (SLD) requirement for commercial vehicles, with Dato Sri Lee conveying concerns raised by Sarawak lorry operators and expressing hope that the number of SLD suppliers and installers in Sarawak could be increased to improve accessibility for transport operators throughout Sarawak.

“Anthony Loke said the number of suppliers and installers has increased significantly to meet growing demand from operators, including those in Sarawak.

“The meeting also touched on the Weight Restriction Order (WRO) involving heavy vehicles, particularly along the Pan Borneo Highway, where the Federal Transport Minister clarified that matters relating to WRO fall under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Works (KKR),” it said.

Nevertheless, Dato Sri Lee said the Sarawak Ministry for Transport (MOTS) would continue to follow up on the matter with KKR and the Public Works Department (JKR) Sarawak to address issues affecting transport operators and road users in Sarawak.

Both ministers also exchanged views on several ongoing transport initiatives involving cooperation between the Federal and Sarawak Governments.

Dato Sri Lee said the meeting reflected the close cooperation between the Federal Ministry of Transport and MOTS in addressing transportation issues and improving connectivity for the benefit of the people.

Also present during the courtesy call were Deputy Sarawak Secretary (Economic Planning and Development) Dato Sri Dr Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel, MOTS Permanent Secretary Datu Wong Hee Sieng, Head of Land Transport and Logistics Division Chong Chi Fam, and Head of Aviation Dayang Nurhayati Abang Ahmad. -UKASnews