KUCHING: The construction of the access road to the southern zone of Kuching International Airport is now 95 percent complete, according to Sentosa State Assemblyman Wilfred Yap Yau Sin, who provided the update following a recent site meeting with the Public Works Department (JKR).
Yap said the information was based on the latest report presented by JKR Kuching Division Engineer Ir. Wang Say Kwang during their project progress meeting recently.
As of 25 June, the physical works had reached 95 percent completion, with the remaining construction activities expected to be wrapped up by the end of July.
He said ongoing works include road widening near the Road A/D junction, base construction for the bridge approaches at Sungai Kuap, and the installation of street lighting, a substation, and traffic lights.
The electrical systems are expected to be energised by July 31, following verification by Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) this week.
“A crucial component of the project involves the relocation of the Underpass Airfield Ground Lighting (AGL) system, which must be upgraded to meet stringent aviation safety standards. This includes raising 13 rows of AGL poles along the aircraft approach path,” he said.
Yap noted that due to the high technical and safety requirements, approvals were required from Malaysia Airports Sdn Bhd (MASB), the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) Kuching Office, and the CAAM Division of Air Navigation Services and Aerodrome (ANSA) in Kuala Lumpur.
“I am pleased to inform that the final approval from CAAM ANSA Kuala Lumpur was officially granted via email on 1 July 2025,” said Yap.
“This marks a significant milestone and allows the contractor to proceed with the remaining AGL works, which are expected to take about one month to complete.”
In accordance with aviation safety protocols, the road will only be opened to public use after the scheduled Flight Testing Window from September 21 to 26 September this year.
“I have requested JKR to monitor the contractor closely to ensure all outstanding works are completed on time now that regulatory approvals are in place,” he said.
Appealing to the public for patience and understanding, Yap added that the final steps are crucial to ensuring both aviation and public safety. He reiterated that the target remains to open the road by the end of September.
By Connie Chieng