THE Transport Ministry is urged to conduct a feasibility study for the construction of a new regional airport located somewhere between Miri and Bintulu.
Pujut assemblyman Adam Yii stated that this study should explore potential locations, costs, and economic benefits of a new airport to serve the entire northern region of Sarawak.
He pointed out that since the airport is under the jurisdiction of the federal government, this initiative would require the necessary support from the federal government.
“However, if the necessary support is not forthcoming from the federal government, then the Transport Ministry may consider to do it by ourselves or in collaboration with foreign investors and make reference to Senai Airport of Johor where Senai Airport Terminal Services Sdn Bhd (SATSSB) took over the operations from Malaysia Airports Holding Berhad (MAHB) in 2003 under a 50-year concession to develop the airport.
“The proposed Miri International Airport can be developed under a similar arrangement as Senai Airport of Johor and the importance along with the necessity of a viable international airport providing the necessary connectivity internationally can not be underestimated,” he said.
In light of this, he said that this Miri International Airport must be considered as it is more of a long-term solution.
“As this airport may be strategically located between Miri and Bintulu, it will be able to offer a significant advantage in providing a larger catchment for passengers as it would serve the whole northern region.
“A new international airport can be designed to accommodate a higher volume of traffic, including larger aircraft and potentially increasing direct international flights.
“It will be a modern airport that acts as a catalyst for economic growth, attracting investments, tourism, and trade to the entire northern region of Sarawak.”
Yii pointed out that with the relocation of the Indonesian capital to Nusantara, this airport can provide a connectivity solution to airlines aiming to connect between Sarawak, Brunei and Indonesia.
“Coupled with the rejuvenation and development of Miri Port and the completion of the Pan Borneo, Miri can emerge as an important international transit city for connecting Sarawak, Sabah, Brunei and Kalimantan by air, land and sea.”
