Abang Johari stresses a point when delivering his keynote address during the GPS Convention. — Photo by Roystein Emmor

KUCHING (April 19): Mega projects such as the new international airport proposed in Tanjung Embang near here should further stimulate Sarawak’s economic development.

In highlighting this, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg also stressed that the state must learn from successful models such as Changi Airport in Singapore.

The Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) chairman said this in his keynote address for the GPS Convention 2026 at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) on Sunday.

“Some have asked why we have to build mega projects like gas terminal port and new international airport.

“Let me tell you, they will trigger our economic development – they’re investments.

“Changi Airport, which (former Singapore prime minister the late) Lee Kuan Yew had decided to build, has brought about economic progress to Singapore.

“We have to learn from good models and successful examples.”

Changi Airport, which functions as one of the most significant aviation gateways in the Asia-Pacific region, is a base for more than 100 international carriers with scheduled services linking Singapore to destinations across Asia, Oceania, Africa, Europe, the Middle East and North America.

Adding on, Abang Johari believed that more travellers would choose Sarawak as their destination, once it had airport facilities that could offer comfortability.

“At present, foreigners visiting the state are required to fill out entry forms at international airports outside the state such as the Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

“As we have our immigration rights, visitors must fill out the forms in Kuala Lumpur before entering Sarawak.

“This is why we have AirBorneo to facilitate air connectivity.”

Abang Johari said although being an entity wholly-owned by the state government, AirBorneo is still at the transition stage.

The Premier said that he was aware of some complaints regarding the high airfares, but he believed that this issue could be addressed after the transition stage.

On a separate matter, Abang Johari said Sarawak held the highest gas reserves in Malaysia, accounting for over 50 per cent of the country’s total.

He added that the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) had passed the Distribution of Gas Ordinance 2016 to hold control over its natural gas resources across the state.

“We are not killing the golden goose, we just want to be fair. GPS only needs you (Putrajaya) to be fair.

“We have a formula that doesn’t kill Petronas (Petroliam Nasional Berhad); it makes us the gas distributor.

“We have Sarawak Gas Roadmap that focuses on, among other things, methanol production in Labuan and Bintulu,” he said, also stressing that the GPS remained determined in serving Sarawakians with sincerity, adhering to this principle towards enabling future generations to continue enjoying prosperity.