KUCHING: An international consultant has been appointed to conduct a site verification and feasibility study for the proposed new Kuching International Airport (KIA), says state Transport Minister Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin.
He said the letter of award was given to Naco Netherlands Airport Consultants, in partnership with local consultant Jurutera Jasa (Sarawak) Sdn Bhd last Wednesday (May 21).
"The consultant was appointed in a procurement process conducted in full compliance with established regulations and governance standards.
"The selection was based on a thorough evaluation of technical qualifications, financial proposals and relevant experience to ensure the consultant’s ability to fulfil Sarawak’s strategic aviation development objectives," he told reporters after delivering his ministerial winding-up at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly on Monday.
Lee said the study, expected to be done in nine months, would include assessing and verifying potential airport sites, followed by a detailed analysis of the site to determine long-term viability and sustainability.
He said the scope covered site selection and airspace review, environmental and social impact assessments, demand forecasting and market analysis, economic and financial feasibility, transport connectivity and land use planning, preliminary concept planning with an emphasis on climate resilience, stakeholder engagement and regulatory compliance.
"We have to wait for the consultant to complete the study, then we can come up with a more realistic estimate of the project cost.
"Hopefully, we can get the airport constructed within five to six years after the feasibility report," he said.
Lee also said the feasibility study would provide the basis for subsequent phases, including developing an aerotropolis and supporting industries.
"The airport will be the catalyst that will attract aerospace industries to come in, including aircraft parts manufacturing," he said.
Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg had announced earlier this year that the new airport would be constructed at Tanjung Embang in Samarahan division.
He had also said it would be modelled after the Hamad International Airport in Doha, Qatar.
In his speech earlier, Lee said the consultant's appointment marked a significant milestone in the early planning phase of the project.
He said the next phase, under the 13th Malaysia Plan, would involve formulating a comprehensive aerotropolis master plan and detailed design of the new airport, covering critical components such as terminal capacity, runway systems, airside and landside facilities as well as scalability to meet future passenger and cargo demands.
"This will prepare us for the subsequent construction phase of the new airport," he said.
Lee said the new KIA would be a smart and futuristic airport incorporating the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and other latest technology to provide a seamless experience to travellers.
"This development is a testament to the Sarawak government’s commitment to build critical infrastructure that supports economic transformation and positions Sarawak as a leading regional hub in the Borneo region.
"This project marks a pivotal milestone in Sarawak’s long-term aviation strategy, enabling aerotropolis development and creating new economic opportunities," he added.
