The government proposes to make Sarawak the nation’s aerospace hub, Tengku Zafrul

KUCHING: The government plans to make Sarawak the hub of the country’s aerospace industry, said Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz.

He said the proposal was among the matters discussed in the Sarawak Industry Coordination Joint Committee Meeting here today.

Sarawak has shown great potential in the industry, especially to create skilled workers in the field, he said.

“Sarawak has previously announced a commitment to produce talent in Sarawak universities that focus on the aerospace industry.

“So, we think that in terms of talent, it will be there, while in terms of geography, Sarawak is (in a) really good location, close to the archipelago (the capital of Indonesia), near Korea, Japan, and even Australia,” he told reporters after the meeting. It’s here.

The meeting was also attended by Sarawak’s Deputy Premier and the state’s Minister of International Trade, Industry, and Investment, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hassan.

Tengku Zafrul said the proposal to develop a new international airport here and the establishment of a Sarawak-owned airline were also identified as helping the development of the aerospace industry in Bumi Kenyalang.

He said his side, through the Malaysian National Aerospace Industry Corporation (Naico Malaysia), will also work with Sarawak to achieve the industry’s development agenda.

“We also see that the aerospace industry will be able to open up opportunities in the maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) industry as well as the manufacturing sector,” he said.

Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg was previously reported to have said that Sarawak will open an aerospace training center in preparation for serious involvement in the aviation industry.

Abang Johari said the training center would be established in Tanjung Bako in Kuching, while theory classes would be held at the Sarawak Center of Technological Excellence (CENTEXS) in Lundu.
— BERNAMA