Sarawak considering to build new international airport in Kuching, says Premier
KUCHING (May 15): Sarawak plans to develop a new international airport in Kuching to support the growth of the aviation industry in the state, says Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. According to him, the construction of an international airport is necessary considering Sarawak’s air traffic is increasing and the insufficient facilities at the existing Kuching International Airport (KIA). “We are studying plans to build a new international airport due to the increase in our (air) traffic. “We are also looking at the international airport building now, I think there are not enough facilities with the increase in the number of flights and passenger traffic,” he told reporters at the lobby of the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Complex here today. He was asked after he said during his winding-up speech that the Sarawak government planned to develop a new international airport following the acquisition of MASwings. The effort, he said, will make Sarawak another regional aviation hub for Asean. Commenting further on the matter, Abang Johari said it was time for Sarawak to have a new international airport because the existing KIA has exceeded its capacity to handle more traffic. “We will inform you about the location later. What is certain is that it will be developed in Kuching, because the international airport has to be in Kuching because we want it to be an aviation hub. “We already have a hub for ports, this time we need a hub for flights. It’s not only for passengers but for cargo, meaning it works as a commercial hub,” he explained. Regarding the funds to build the new Kuching international airport, Abang Johari said the matter would be discussed with Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB). “Whether MAHB will be our partner to develop this airport depends on the availability of funds. “Perhaps we will develop together with MAB to build this new international airport,” he said. When asked on what will happen to the existing KIA, Abang Johari said it could be turned into an airport for chartered jets or private planes. “Of course the question is that the current KIA is sufficient or not in terms of capacity… so we need a new international airport, only after that we will see what can be done on the existing KIA,” he said.
Sarawak approves SST on export of ferroalloys and polysilicon, says Deputy Premier
KUCHING: Sarawak has approved the introduction of state sales tax (SST) on the export of ferroalloys and polysilicon as part of efforts to diversify revenue sources, says Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah. The Deputy Premier said the tax would be imposed at the rate of 1.5% effective Sept 1 this year. “This is a fair and reasonable rate for the affected companies as they enjoy tax incentives from the Federal Government and favourable power rates from the state. “The revenue generated from this source will give us fiscal flexibility in enhancing our socioeconomic development efforts which include, among others, implementing clean and renewable energy initiatives,” he said in his winding-up speech at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly sitting here on Wednesday (May 15). Uggah also said Sarawak collected RM14mil from SST on the export of selected timber products last year. He said that for this year, the state was projected to collect RM33mil from the tax, which was imposed effective June 1 last year. “Moving forward, the Sarawak government will continue to explore new opportunities to enhance and diversify our revenue sources. “This is imperative as we continue to pursue our development agenda so that no one will eventually be left behind,” he said. In addition, Uggah said Sarawak’s revenue was projected to be RM12.749bil this year. He said RM4.798bil or 38% of the projected revenue had been collected as of March 31. “Based on the performance thus far, we are confident we can achieve the targeted revenue projection for this year, barring any unfavourable circumstances at the global geopolitical level which could adversely affect oil and gas markets,” he added.
Sarawak estimated to possess high value mineral resources worth RM1.252 trillion
KUCHING, May 14: Sarawak is estimated to possess high value mineral resources for the energy industry and downstream manufacturing industry worth more than RM1.252 trillion. Natural Resources and Urban Development II Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said the estimated value is based on the records of Sarawak’s Department of Minerals and Geosciences Malaysia. These mineral resources are deposited across an area of approximately 39,824 square kilometers or 3,982,400 hectares, which involves 32 per cent of the area of Sarawak. The Sarawak government has thus requested for a larger allocation for Department of Minerals and Geosciences Malaysia, Sarawak from the Federal government so that the study on the existence of mineral resources in Sarawak can be carried out more extensively. “This geological study and mapping is very important to enable land use planning and the development of mineral-based industries to be made in detail and comprehensively by the government,” said Awang Tengah when delivery his ministerial winding-up speech in the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) here today. He said in the development of mineral-based industries, the Sarawak government is currently trying to develop downstream industries especially those based on silica sand for the manufacturing of photovoltaic glass (PV glass) which is essential for solar power generation (green energy) and limestone for the clinker and cement industry. “In addition, the government is also studying the potential of an industry based on high-value strategic minerals, namely Non-Radioactive Rare Earth Elements (NR-REE). “NR-REE is needed in various manufacturing industries such as magnetics, phosphorus, ceramics, metal alloys, defence and so on,” said the Bukit Sari assemblyman (GPS-PBB). — DayakDaily
