S’wak to extend Tg Manis Airport runway
TANJUNG MANIS: The state government will extend the Tanjung Manis Airport runway next year, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He told a press conference a er opening the Tanjung Manis Administrative Centre yesterday that the runway extension project would cost between RM7 million and RM15 million.
He said the airport is vital to boost Tanjung Manis not just in terms of tourism but also business.
“We have the shipbuilding industry and we are going to build a modern agriculture sector in this area as a food basket. So that is why there must be connectivity in terms of infrastructure.
“This will benefit the agriculture, carbon trading, and tourism industry,” he said.
Abang Johari said with the construction of bridges in Paloh, Lassa, and Sarikei (Jalan Pasi), the whole Rajang Delta will be transformed and contribute to the growth of gross domestic product (GDP), he said.
According to a Bernama report from 2019, Tanjung Manis Airport is certified as a category 2B airport with a minimum field length needed for take-off of between 800 metres and 1,200 metres.
It is suitable for aircra wingspan of between 15 metres and 24 metres.
In his speech, Abang Johari said the state government will also provide an automated teller machine (ATM) and SPay Global service in Tanjung Manis in future.
He said the state government will place the Rajang Delta Development Agency (Radda) office in Tanjung Manis.
“This means the government will always be close with the people and the people will be close with the government,” he said.
He stressed Tanjung Manis must not be le behind under the new economic model, which is focussed on technology.
Deputy Minister for Natural Resources and Urban Development Datu Len Talif said construction on the RM80 million Tanjung Manis State Administrative Centre started on March 3, 2018.
He said the iconic 16-storey building is a new landmark and one stop-service centre for the public and investors.
He said the building will house government departments and agencies, banks, and post office.
Other facilities include a cafeteria, ATM machine, exhibition hall, meeting rooms, and data centre.
He said there are also facilities for the disabled such as access ramp and accessible toilets on every floor.
Len Talif, who is also Radda chairman, said the agency has been allocated RM1.5 billion to develop the Rajang Delta, which covers 11 state constituencies – Kuala Rajang, Semop, Daro, Jemoreng, Repok, Meradong, Pakan, Meluan, Dalat, Telian, and Balingian, as well as the parliamentary constituencies of Tanjong Manis, Igan, and Mukah.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said Tanjung Manis has great potential to be developed.
He said the development of Tanjung Manis started with timber and now the economic activities have diversified to shipping, as well as oil and gas.
“We have great plans for Tanjung Manis, especially in terms of infrastructure development such as connectivity, water and electricity supply, and telecommunications systems,” he said.
He said all these were made possible due to commi ed and dedicated leaders.