By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Nov 24: Sarawak is planning to construct the Tanjung Embang Deep Seaport on an artificial island, says Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He highlighted that the new deep seaport, currently undergoing a feasibility study, is among three strategic projects spearheaded by the Sarawak government as part of its RM100 billion economic injection plan from 2025 to 2030.
“You know Kuching (Port) is very shallow, Tanjung Port very shallow. But I have a solution to that—a lot of engineering work to be done.
“And we need hydraulic engineers who are very well versed in hydraulic engineering especially water system and also on how to build an ‘island’,” he revealed during the Institute of Engineers Malaysia (IEM) Sarawak Annual Dinner 2024 at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here earlier tonight.
Abang Johari also mentioned that the port will be a smart port and include a state-of-the-art gas terminal, making it a cornerstone of the nation’s industrial and energy strategies.
With this in mind, he emphasised the need for skilled engineers to handle gas piping and distribution.
He disclosed the other strategic project is the development of a new international airport in Kuching, followed by the establishment of the Sarawak-owned airline.
“We will develop the international airport using our own funds. Previously, others would wait for Kuala Lumpur, but I can’t afford to wait.
“Fortunately, as soon as I announced the project last year, the private sector expressed interest in investing. This means our financial risk will be reduced and shared, as it will be a public-private partnership,” he added.
Apart from the airport, Abang Johari hopes to finalise the Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA) for MASwings next month.
“With this, we will own our own airline. Having our own aircraft, airline, and airport will allow us to effectively promote Sarawak as a destination for both business and tourism,” he emphasised.
At the event, Abang Johari launched “IEM Sarawak Climate Action Pledge”, a formal commitment by the IEM Sarawak Main Committee to lead Sarawak’s engineering community in championing sustainability and resilience.
The event also saw Samling Group of Companies received the Climate Action Leadership Award for its significant contributions to environmental sustainability.
Also present were Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian; Sarawak Minister of Utility and Telecommunication (MUT) Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi; Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki; Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development (MIPD) Datuk Aidel Lariwoo; IEM president Dr Jeffrey Chiang Choong Luin; IEM Sarawak chairwoman Stephanie Sim Hui Kheng; and IEM Sarawak Annual Dinner organising chairwoman Dr Angelia Liew San Chuin. — DayakDaily
