KUCHING – Sarawak is preparing to embark on one of its most ambitious infrastructure projects with the development of a new international airport at Tanjung Embang, Samarahan Division. The facility is expected to serve as a key driver of the state’s economic transformation and a symbol of its aspirations to achieve developed status by 2030.
The project was confirmed by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, who described the airport as one of three major infrastructure initiatives planned for completion within the next five years.
He explained that the new airport would not only enhance Sarawak’s aviation capacity but also strengthen its logistics ecosystem, positioning the state as a regional hub for trade and travel.
According to the Premier, the airport will be modelled on the design of Doha International Airport, incorporating modern architecture and advanced facilities.
The plan includes two runways, a central terminal building, high-tech IT systems, and an international-standard access road. The project will also integrate smart technology and sustainable features, aiming to surpass the standards of Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).
The decision to locate the airport at Tanjung Embang followed earlier proposals to build it in Matang. However, logistical challenges and airspace restrictions near the Indonesian border led to the relocation.
The site at Tanjung Embang was chosen for its proximity to a deep-sea port currently under development, which is expected to create strong synergies between air and maritime transport.
“This airport is not just an airline terminal, but a complete complex with ancillary facilities,” said Abang Zohari during the Sarawak Bumiputera Consulting Engineers (GJPBS) Anniversary Ceremony & Engineer Awards 2025.
He added that the project would require the expertise of multiple engineering and consulting firms, as it could not be undertaken by a single contractor.
The Premier emphasised that the airport would generate significant economic benefits for Sarawak. Beyond improving connectivity, it is projected to create thousands of jobs during construction and operation.
Industries such as construction services, building materials, and information technology are also expected to benefit from the project’s multiplier effects.
Observers note that the development of the new airport aligns with Sarawak’s broader strategy to modernise its infrastructure and diversify its economy.
By linking air travel with maritime trade through the nearby deep-sea port, the state aims to strengthen its role in regional logistics and attract greater investment.
When completed, the Tanjung Embang airport is expected to become one of the most advanced aviation facilities in Malaysia. The Premier has expressed confidence that it will set a new benchmark for efficiency and passenger experience, surpassing older-generation airports in the country.
Also present at the GJPBS event was Ir. Irwan Zulkarnain Datuk Mohd Hasbie, Chairman of the association, who welcomed the announcement and highlighted the opportunities it would create for local engineers and consultants.
The airport project is regarded as a cornerstone of Sarawak’s development agenda, reflecting the state’s determination to achieve its 2030 vision of becoming a fully developed region.
