LAWAS: The cost of constructing the new Lawas airport in the Sundar area here is estimated at RM600 million, says Sarawak premier Abang Johari Openg.
He said the land compensation process was ongoing and phase one of the airport construction was expected to begin in the first quarter of next year.
According to him, in order to expedite the process, the construction cost will be borne by the state government first and the federal government would reimburse it later.
“For the benefit of the people of Lawas, we (the state government) will build it. It’s not cheap as it will cost about RM600 million.
“If the federal government does not want to give it (money), we will do it first.
“The people of Lawas have been waiting a long time (for a new airport). We will discuss this with the federal government, for them to pay back the RM600 million later,” he said at the Sarawakku Sayang programme today.
Lawas currently has a short take-off and landing airport (STOLport), which has been operating since 1961.
Although it was upgraded in 1996, it continues to experience issues such as flooding, as well as an increase in the number of passengers and cargo.
On Aug 12, deputy premier Awang Tengah Ali Hasan was reported to have said that the airport, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2026, would be the catalyst for economic growth in the northernmost district in Sarawak.
Meanwhile, Abang Johari said the Northern Region Development Agency (NRDA) would also continue developing the Lawas area, including building new ports and highways. - FMT
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