The modern international airport announced by the Premier of Sarawak earlier has sparked various speculations, including its location. Many have been guessing whether the airport will be built in Matang or Samarahan.
The major announcement by Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg on Sunday was warmly welcomed by many, especially residents in the surrounding areas.
Some described it as a dream come true. They hope the area will be greatly transformed when the mega project is implemented. The name Tanjung Embang is set to be etched on the global map, as planes from various airlines worldwide will land there.
The strategic infrastructure developments, such as the new airport, are poised to profoundly influence the economy, social dynamic, and infrastructure advancement in Samarahan, Serian, and Kuching.
The proposed construction of the new airport in Tanjung Embang is expected to offer great opportunities to stimulate the growth of this area and strengthen Sarawak’s role in the national and international air transport network.
Tanjung Embang is located in the heart of the Asajaya area, providing easy access from major towns such as Kuching, Samarahan, and Serian. Its proximity to maritime and land trade routes makes this location strategic as a logistics hub.
The area is still forested at present, but it is very close to Kuching city. If a bridge and other infrastructure are built from BCCK, it will be very near the city. In reality, as with KLIA, distance will not be an issue if an efficient transportation system is provided.
Just look at the impact of KLIA on its surrounding area. I believe the same will happen to the area around the new airport.
By building an airport in rural areas like Tanjung Embang, rapid development can be brought to the surrounding areas. This includes road infrastructure, housing development, business centres, and educational institutions.
This means that development in the area and its surroundings will become vibrant—undoubtedly bringing positive spillover effects economically and socially to the local population.
The Kuching International Airport, which opened in 1983, is now facing capacity pressure due to the increase in passengers and cargo.
The new airport design will be inspired by the airport model in Doha, Qatar, which can accommodate 29 million passengers each year, and handles all economy flights operated by Qatar Airways and flights from other airlines.
The terminal has been expanded several times to accommodate the yearly increase in the number of passengers.
According to Wikipedia, the terminal has 44 satellite gates, large seating areas, and duty-free zones. There are three lounges in this terminal, including the Oryx Lounge, used by all premium passengers of foreign airlines, the Qatar Airways Gold Lounge for Qatar Airways Gold Privilege Club members, and the Qatar Airways Silver Lounge for Qatar Airways Silver Privilege Club cardholders.
In May 2024, Abang Johari mentioned that air traffic in Kuching is increasing, and the existing terminal building lacks sufficient facilities to accommodate the growing number of passengers.
Therefore, it is now imperative for us to construct a new airport, particularly because our goal is to establish Kuching as a central aviation hub, catering not just to passengers but also to cargo, given our existing port hub.
The new airport can reduce congestion and offer faster services. This project is expected to attract significant investments, create new job opportunities, and boost local businesses such as hotels, restaurants, and travel agencies.
Sarawak is renowned for its ecotourism attractions, including Bako National Park, Niah Caves, and rich ethnic culture. An airport in Asajaya will facilitate access to these destinations, increasing the presence of international tourists.
Tanjung Embang offers ample land for large-scale infrastructure construction without the complex land acquisition issues of densely populated urban areas.
Building a new airport in Tanjung Embang is anticipated to have a positive effect on property values in the nearby areas.
Firstly, airport infrastructure typically enhances accessibility, making the area more attractive for commercial and residential investments.
Additionally, the expansion of airports typically results in the development of supplementary amenities such as roads, hotels, and business centres, enhancing the overall attractiveness of the area.
Thirdly, demand for properties near the airport is expected to rise due to the convenience and higher economic growth potential.
Thus, residents should avoid selling their land for short-term gains.
The construction of the new airport will create thousands of jobs throughout the construction process and later in daily operations, including administration, air traffic control, logistics, and passenger services.
With increased air transportation capacity, exports of local products such as agricultural produce, seafood, and handicrafts to international markets can be boosted.
Residents of Asajaya and surrounding areas will gain easier access to major cities and international destinations, making travel for education, employment, and tourism more convenient.
With the influx of modern technology and interactions with visitors from outside, local communities will have opportunities to enhance their skills and knowledge.
To ensure the new airport meets current and future needs, it should integrate green technologies such as solar energy usage, rainwater management, and sustainable building materials to minimize environmental impact.
ART routes or express bus systems should be provided to connect the airport with major cities.
What should the new airport include? Technologies such as biometric control, facial recognition systems, and digital check-in should be implemented to ease user experiences.
A terminal capable of accommodating domestic and international flights with spacious waiting areas, shopping facilities, restaurants, and VIP lounges.
The cargo terminal should be designed to support large-scale import-export goods movement, along with storage facilities such as temperature-controlled warehouses.
Runways should be designed to support new-generation aircraft such as the Airbus A380 and Boeing 787 Dreamliner, with the capacity to handle increased flight frequencies.
Modern airports need advanced emergency facilities, such as mini hospitals, emergency response teams, and firefighting equipment.
High-speed Wi-Fi should be available throughout the airport, along with mobile apps to help passengers access information such as flight schedules, gates, and other services.
User-friendly designs with special pathways for the disabled, multilingual signage, and tourism information centres will enhance visitor experiences.
Facilities such as meeting rooms, business centres, and conference spaces will attract corporate groups to make the airport a strategic meeting hub.
Building the airport in Tanjung Embang has the potential to reshape the Asajaya area, establishing it as a key hub for growth in Sarawak.
In the next 10-15 years, this area is expected to develop into a metropolitan hub combining modern and traditional elements. This development can also contribute to the state government’s mission to achieve developed status by 2030.
The new airport is a strategic investment bringing significant benefits in terms of economic, social, and regional development. With the planned modern features, it will not only meet current needs but also be ready to address future challenges. Careful implementation of this project and collaboration from all parties will make Sarawak more competitive globally and improve the well-being of its people.
