RM400mil upgrade for Tanjung Manis airport to accommodate bigger aircrafts
He said the upgrading works will include the construction of a new terminal, runway extension, air traffic control tower, as well as immigration, customs, and security facilities.
"The project aims to enable larger aircraft to land at the airport, which currently only accommodates Twin Otter light aircraft," he said.
Abang Johari added that the actual cost would only be determined after the completion of a RM5 million feasibility study currently being undertaken by the Sarawak Timber Development Authority (STIDC).
Under the first phase, the airport runway will be extended from 1,200m to between 1,500m and 1,790m to accommodate ATR72 aircraft. This phase is expected to be completed within five years.
In the second phase, the runway will be further extended to 2,500m to accommodate larger aircraft such as the Airbus A320.
With the enhanced facilities, the airport is anticipated to become the main gateway to the central region of Sarawak, thereby spurring economic growth and creating job opportunities for local residents.
"The Sarawak government is committed to ensuring that this development is carried out in a sustainable and balanced manner, taking into account environmental and community interests," he added.
Abang Johari said the project is a key initiative in Sarawak's development plans, particularly for the central region encompassing the Kapit, Sibu, Sarikei, and Mukah Divisions.
"The central region has been identified as a strategic development centre that will serve as a catalyst for the state's socio-economic progress in line with Sarawak's Prosperity Vision and the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030)," he said.
He added that the Sarawak government, through the Rajang Delta Development Authority (Radda), will continue to strengthen infrastructure development in the central region.
"This includes the construction of roads, water and electricity supply, housing infrastructure, digitalisation projects, as well as industrial and commercial areas to stimulate economic growth and improve the quality of life for the local population," he said.
Among the notable projects already implemented is the construction of the Batang Rajang Bridge and Pasi Road, which were inaugurated earlier today.
Abang Johari said the Pasi Road has reduced the travel distance between Tanjung Manis and Sarikei from 122km to just 53km.
He said that the opening of the bridge is expected to serve as a catalyst for the development of eco-tourism, agriculture, new investments, and small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
Additionally, he said the Tanjung Manis Village Expansion Scheme (SPK), which involves the construction of 69 semi-detached houses on a 6.92-hectare site, is also being planned to enhance the quality of life for rural residents by providing comprehensive basic facilities.
The airport, operated by STIDC, was opened in 2001 to facilitate logistics management for investors in the Tanjung Manis Economic Growth Area (T-Mega), formerly known as the Tanjung Manis Halal Hub.
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