KUCHING: Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen has urged the Sarawak government to take a practical approach by supporting the expansion of the existing Kuching International Airport (KIA) instead of pushing for a costly new airport project.
Chong revealed that the Federal Ministry of Transport has proposed an allocation of RM100 million under the 13th Malaysia Plan to expand KIA’s capacity from the current 5 million passengers per annum to 8 million.
“This proposed expansion will increase KIA’s capacity by 60 per cent and effectively serve Kuching for another 15 to 20 years,” he said, citing a written reply he received from Transport Minister Anthony Loke.
However, Chong noted that the Federal Government’s plan hinges not only on funding but also on the state government’s decision, as the latter is still conducting a feasibility study on building a new airport.
He warned that while the RM100 million expansion is financially viable, the proposed new airport could cost up to RM10 billion, which would delay much-needed improvements.
“Though Sarawak is rich, our resources are not unlimited. We should avoid repeating the mistakes of the Federal Government in the 1980s and 1990s, when excessive spending on mega-projects burdened future generations with debt,” he said.
Chong called on the state government to act responsibly and support the immediate expansion plan for the benefit of Sarawakians.
By Connie Chieng