He said Kuching needs an airport equipped with the latest amenities, including state-of-the-art IT facilities, which could be a catalyst to boost Sarawak’s economic development. “It can become an institution that can broaden our economy as a whole,” he said, according to the Borneo Post.

Hamad airport has often been named the world’s best airport and features luxury amenities including high-end shopping, gourmet dining and wellness facilities such as spas and a swimming pool.

Abang Johari said that plans to develop the new Kuching airport, as well as a deep sea port in Kuching would turn Sarawak into an aviation and shipping hub in the region.

He also said that a team of experts have been appointed to oversee the development plans for both the airport and deep sea port.

“These experts may have also been involved in the planning for the airport in Doha,” he said.

“The two projects are strategically located to make Sarawak a hub in western Borneo as we are in the middle of commercial traffic; shipping and flights to the rest of the region,” he said.

In April, it was reported that Sarawak was proceeding with the construction of two new deep sea ports, one in Kuching and the other in Miri, to meet the needs of industries and attract investments.

Last month, Abang Johari was quoted as saying that the state is looking into whether it should develop a new international airport in Kuching.

He also said that the state government will hold talks with Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) regarding a possible partnership to develop the new airport.