By Shikin Louis
ASAJAYA, Jan 4: An Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) system is planned to link the existing Kuching International Airport (KIA) with the upcoming airport in Tanjung Embang, similar to the connection between KLIA Terminal 1 and KLIA Terminal 2 in Kuala Lumpur.
Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, said the ART route will connect the current KIA, which will later serve as a domestic airport, with the new international airport to be built in the Tanjung Embang area.
“Between the domestic airport and the international airport, we will have ART, just like KLIA Terminal 1 and KLIA Terminal 2, to connect passengers travelling to domestic and international destinations.
“All this will become a reality within a five-year period,” he said at the closing ceremony of the Asajaya Ambal Festival 2026 held at Asajaya square last night (Jan 3).
The new airport will be constructed in Tanjung Embang, covering villages including Kampung Beliong, Kampung Beradek, Kampung Tiang Api and Kampung Sungai Tanju, and is expected to replace KIA as Sarawak’s main international gateway.
Abdul Karim, who is also the Asajaya assemblyman, further said that Force Acquisition Notices under Sections 47 and 48 of the Land Code have already been issued in the Beliong area for land acquisition related to the airport project, with compensation to be paid to affected landowners.
Emphasising that development would extend beyond the airport itself, Abdul Karim said road connectivity and supporting infrastructure to surrounding villages would also be built.
“It would not make sense to have an airport without proper roads connecting the villages. Everything will be developed,” he added.
At the same time, he urged residents in Asajaya to change their mindset and adapt to the rapid transformation expected in the area.
He also said he has observed steady progress in the socio-economic status of the local community over the years, noting visible improvements in ownership of vehicles and overall living conditions.
“This shows that progress is already happening in Asajaya, and we hope it will continue as development moves forward,” he emphasised. – DayakDaily
