Tanjung Manis, Sarawak – The long-awaited upgrade of Tanjung Manis Airport officially took flight as Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg, officiated the launch ceremony on Saturday. The event was held at the Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Hall, marking a significant step in boosting connectivity and economic growth for the region.
The Premier also presided over several other key initiatives during the event, including the symbolic handover of Land Title Deeds to 124 residents from Kampung Belawai, as well as 84 recipients from Sebayang and Tusuk Longhouses. This marks a major move towards land ownership empowerment for local communities.
Another milestone was the official handover of the Kampung Belawai Village Expansion Scheme (SPK) project to the appointed contractor. The RM15 million project will initially provide 72 residential lots under Phase 1, out of a planned total of 236 lots, to meet the growing population needs in the area.
Following the ceremony, Premier Abang Zohari paid a visit to the Innocement Sdn Bhd Distribution Terminal at the Tanjung Manis Port Authority. There, he revealed plans for a new cement grinding factory by the company, driven by high cement demand from Vietnam which has reached 8,500 tonnes.
“This expansion will create more job opportunities for locals and diversify the industrial activities in Tanjung Manis,” the Premier said.
The event saw the attendance of several high-profile leaders, including Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, Minister of Utilities and Telecommunications Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi, and Minister of Transport Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, among others.
These initiatives signal Sarawak’s strong commitment to rural development, infrastructure modernisation, and economic diversification in Tanjung Manis. – Sarawakku
