By Marlynda Meraw
KUCHING, June 7: With the new Kuching airport, visitors will want to come to visit not just to see the orangutans but it (the airport) too, says Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
According to Abang Johari, the new Kuching airport will be the most advanced within the Southeast Asia (SEA) region, a one-stop centre that includes immigration and is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities.
“If we (Sarawak) build an average airport, nobody will come.
“But if you make a state-of-the-art airport, people will not just come here to see the orangutans, they will want to see the airport,” said Abang Johari at the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Innocement Sdn Bhd and PMW Industries at Asajaya Hall, Grand Margherita Hotel today.
To him, the new airport will not only become an attraction for visitors, but with it being a one-stop centre, it will provide a travel-friendly experience as well.
The new Kuching airport will take three years to complete its planning phase and will be modelled after the Doha international airport in Qatar.
“We are now looking to appoint an expert; probably someone who was involved in the Doha airport,” said Abang Johari when asked by reporters.
He cited the building development in the SEA region, stating that the region required an airport that is of an international standard.
“It (airport) will become one of the catalysts that will lead to rapid economic development. One is connectivity, two is tourism, and third is an institution that can develop our (Sarawak) economy as a whole,” he added.
The airport is one of the two big projects that will lead economic development beyond 2030, said Abang Johari, with the port being another of the two. — DayakDaily
