Wasn't there a kareoke or something there, after the cinema closed down? I remember the place having a very nice auditorium, quite comfy, with carved columns framing the screen. Perhaps it'll be turned into a performing arts centre? A live theater?

They'll never segregate any region in the Asia-Pacific or Southeast Asia for that matter. The kidnappings happened what, more than 5 years ago? There are terrorist threats everywhere, not only in developing countries; they happen where people least expect it and where people most expect it. I remember once they labeled Perth as the most isolated city in the developed world, with a high chance of terror attacks for the very same reason.

All airports in Malaysia have the same airport tax rates, except the KLIA and KKIA LCCTs.

Carrefour is just an overgrown supermarket, like Tesco. Nothing really special. It's just the big brand name which draws people in. Tesco has announced a rather large profit for 2007, and have been talking about expansion, but so far, their large expansions are based in India and their US operations.

Carrefour, on the other hand, I have yet to see them opening so soon so enthusiastically. Location-wise, where would they open? They normally like big, wide, planned open spaces. Would they want to enter the market so soon? Who knows, but rumours come and go, so have press releases, but after the first 'we plan to open XYZ in Kuching,' we never hear any follow-up plans.

Ikea has been old news for a while. Rumoured to open along the Satok bridge, Samariang, Kuching Isthmus; I'm in agreement with Fuyu. Population of 1 million, then they'll consider.

We can't help but feel cynical.

The talk of Kuching LCCT 'plans' is mentioned in Brunei papers as well? Interesting.

Once Air Asia is allowed to fly Kuching-Singapore, it would mean that the sector is liberalised, like the KL-Singapore sector. Jetstar and Tiger have been looking at Kuching for a while, high time they come in.

While some sections of West Malaysia have been calling for an LCCT in Kuching, I have noticed that it is not big in Kuching itself. News reports and opinions are generally in unison on the LCCT being a waste of money, and would only benefit Air Asia. If building a dedicated terminal for Air Asia is the only way to turn Kuching into a hub, I see more profit for Kuchingites in ignoring their calls and allowing Jetstar, Tiger and other airlines to come in, who are more than happy to pay the RM50/US$15 airport tax, and giving Kuchingites more choices to travel on other carriers.