KOTA SAMARAHAN, April 20 — Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg has confirmed that the master plan for the state’s highly anticipated deep-sea port and new international airport at Tanjung Embang is in its final stages, with only minor adjustments remaining.

Responding to reporters’ questions about whether the plans presented to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during his visit to Kuching yesterday were final, Abang Johari stated that the project planning is well underway.

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“(The plan is) More or less final. There are a few tweaks here and there, but the design is more or less final,” he told reporters after attending the Kota Samarahan Aidilfitri Open House, organised by Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development Datuk Rubiah Wang at the Kota Samarahan Civic Centre here today.

Abang Johari explained that while the proposed developments were not discussed in detail with Anwar, he had briefed the Prime Minister on the state’s plans for a new international airport, deep-sea port, and accompanying gas terminal.

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“We didn’t go into details (when the Prime Minister was in Kuching yesterday), but I did inform him about the proposal to develop a gas terminal and deep-sea port in Kuching, along with the airport project,” he said.

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When asked if the gas terminal would also be located at Tanjung Embang, he confirmed that it would, elaborating that the state is working on two major projects: a deep-sea port located about eight kilometres offshore, and a new airport at Tanjung Embang.

Regarding potential federal funding, Abang Johari stated that the matter was not discussed, noting that Sarawak possesses its own capital for the developments but would welcome any federal assistance.

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“That was not discussed because we have our own capital. (However,) If the federal government wants to help, we will welcome it with open arms,” he said.

Earlier this year, Abang Johari announced that Sarawak’s state-of-the-art international airport would be constructed at Tanjung Embang in the Samarahan Division, near the proposed deep-sea port. The location was chosen over Matang due to logistical considerations, including restricted airspace near the Indonesian border.

During a separate event in January, Abang Johari revealed that the deep-sea port would be modelled after Japan’s renowned Port of Kobe. The plan involves constructing the port offshore in waters 15 to 20 metres deep to accommodate large cargo ships.

Among those present during the open house today were state Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, state Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, state Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development Datuk Aidel Lariwoo and state Deputy Minister of Energy and Environmental Sustainability Datuk Hazland Abang Hipni. — The Borneo Post