KUCHING: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has dismissed claims by some parties labelling the state’s proposed construction of a new airport as a potential ‘white elephant’.
He mentioned that the construction of a new airport might not necessarily result in a white elephant scenario for Sarawak due to the diverse range of products the state can offer to tourists.
“People might refer to it as a white elephant, but that’s not necessarily accurate.
“If we can attract a substantial number of tourists, we will benefit from foreign exchange, and the services sector will also flourish,” he stated.
These delivered these remarks at the launch event of the PostCOVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030): Highlight 2023 report at Wisma Bapa Malaysia here yesterday.
Abang Johari, who also serves as the Finance and New Economy Minister, highlighted that the proposed new airport would improve connectivity and bring more individuals and business people to the state.
“So, we are planning to construct a new airport, an initiative by us.
Ideally, we aim to model the airport after the Doha International Airport, ensuring seamless operations and the capacity to accommodate 15 million visitors simultaneously,” he explained.
Furthermore, Abang Johari emphasised that travellers prefer direct point-to-point flights without needing layovers.
“This is why the state government, along with our Cabinet, decided to take a bold step by establishing our airline.
“Additionally, flight fares must remain affordable. Consider Dubai, United Arab Emirates, which began with just two planes.
“Thirty years ago, Dubai was insignificant.
However, today, it stands as the hub of the Middle East,” he elaborated.
Abang Johari revealed that the sales and purchase agreement for Sarawak’s acquisition of MASwing is anticipated to be finalised next month.
“This would result in our airline.
A new name for the airline will be introduced, though I cannot disclose it today.
“In essence, our ecosystem is evolving.
We have the airport and our airline, both of which will attract tourists and business people to our state,” he concluded.
Also present during the ceremony were Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah and other distinguished guests.
