By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Oct 22: Sarawak and the Netherlands are exploring opportunities to deepen cooperation in aviation, airport development, hydrogen technology and emerging transport solutions, including through a three-year industry cooperation programme involving companies and relevant agencies.
The discussions took place during a courtesy visit by Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Malaysia Michel Deelen to the Sarawak Ministry for Transport, according to a report by the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas).
Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin expressed interest in learning from the Netherlands’ experience, particularly Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport and its surrounding aerotropolis development.
Of note, the Netherlands Airport Consultants (NACO) was appointed to conduct a feasibility study for the proposed New Kuching International Airport (NKIA), which was completed in the first quarter of 2026.
Deelen also shared the Netherlands’ efforts to strengthen its engagement with Sarawak through a three-year industry cooperation programme involving companies and relevant agencies, aimed at encouraging greater business participation, technical exchanges and investment opportunities.
Both sides also exchanged views on green hydrogen technology, sustainable public transport, port development and emerging transport solutions.
Lee briefed Deelen on the progress of the Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS), which will introduce hydrogen-powered Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) vehicles supported by hydrogen feeder buses.
He welcomed continued engagement with the Netherlands and expressed hope that the meeting would pave the way for more practical cooperation between Sarawak and Dutch companies.
“We value the experience and expertise that the Netherlands can offer. We look forward to strengthening our cooperation and exploring opportunities that can bring practical benefits to both sides,” he said.
Also present at the meeting were Permanent Secretary to the Sarawak Ministry for Transport Datu Wong Hee Sieng, Head of Aviation Transport Division Dayang Nurhayati Abang Ahmad, Head of Land Transport and Logistics Division Ts Chong Chi Fam and Acting Head of Policy Formulation and Project Management Division Catherine Lee Pi Ying.
Accompanying the Ambassador were First Secretary of the Embassy of the Netherlands Isabelle Niekrake and Honorary Consul of the Netherlands in Sarawak Dato Andy Chia. – DayakDaily
