BY ALEXANDRA LORNA & JACINTHA JOLENE
KUCHING: Sarawak is ready to discuss the Fire and Rescue Department’s (Bomba) aspiration to build an airbase in the state.
However, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said there has not been any formal request as yet.
“There are suggestions from them as well as the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) who want to relocate their airbase. When there is a request, we are ready to discuss and we will give the land,” he said.
He said this to reporters after attending the Sarawak Maal Hijrah celebration held at Dewan Kompleks Agama Islam here, Wednesday (July 19).
He said a similar request has also been submitted by the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN).
“In Bintulu they also want land, the RMN may still be discussing whether they want to do it in Sibu or Bintulu,” he said.
On Tuesday, it was reported that Bomba is considering building a new airbase in Sibu if the airbase plan in Kuching does not materialise because of land issues.
Bomba director-general Datuk Abdul Wahab Mat Yasin said his department had discussed this possibility with the federal Ministry of Housing and Local Government.
However, he felt the airbase should be located in the state capital due to its strategic location.
But the constraints of obtaining a piece of land have not been resolved hence the plan is still pending.
