He said the government’s proposal was one of the discussion points during the Sarawak Industry Coordination Joint Committee meeting in Kuching today, Bernama reported.

Tengku Zafrul said in terms of geography, Sarawak’s location was excellent as it is close to Nusantara (Indonesia’s new capital), and near to Korea, Japan and even Australia.

The meeting was also attended by Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, who is Sarawak deputy premier and international trade, industry and investment minister.

Tengku Zafrul said the proposal to develop a new international airport in Kuching, as well as the establishment of a Sarawak-owned airline, could also help the development of the aerospace industry in the state.

He said his ministry, through the National Aerospace Industry Corporation Malaysia, will work with Sarawak in achieving the development agenda for the industry.

“The aerospace industry will be able to open up opportunities in the maintenance, repair and overhaul industry as well as the manufacturing sector,” he said.

Previously, Sarawak premier Abang Johari Openg said the state would open an aerospace training centre in preparation for a serious involvement in the aviation industry.

Abang Johari said the training centre would be established in Tanjung Bako, Kuching, while theory classes would be held at the Sarawak Centre of Technological Excellence in Lundu.