By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Aug 21: A scheduled daily express bus service linking Brunei International Airport directly to Miri is being explored to strengthen cross-border connectivity and boost tourism between Brunei and northern Sarawak.
In a press release, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture Chiew Choon Man said the proposed service would provide Miri with greater access to Brunei’s international air connectivity while offering travellers a convenient ‘one-trip, two-countries’ experience.
He said this followed a meeting with Dato Seri Setia Awang Mohammed Riza Dato Paduka Mohammed Yunos, who is Brunei’s Minister of Transport and Infocommunications, to streamline joint efforts for a seamless bus service between Brunei and Miri.
“We agreed that strengthening cross-border mobility, connectivity, and facilitation will further encourage tourism, the economy in the region, and people-to-people exchanges between our two countries.
“It will maximise Visit Malaysia 2026 targets, which will be extended to 2027, and also Visit Brunei Year 2027,” said Chiew, who is also Miri MP.
He said this way, Miri can leverage Brunei’s international connectivity as an aviation hub.
Elaborating that flights from Hong Kong, Beijing, Tokyo, Seoul, Jakarta, Manila, and London have direct routes to Brunei, he said connecting Brunei International Airport to Miri will provide convenient access to Miri and attract more international tourists.
“Previously, I have personally welcomed over 120 Hong Kong tourists to Miri on a familiarisation trip, and they have conveniently come to Miri through a direct flight from Hong Kong to Brunei.
“This is a successful example of the benefits of direct connectivity between our countries, and can be further enhanced by improving the efficiency of the immigration process.
“The direct bus service is highly beneficial for both countries, with the ultimate goal to encourage more tourists to visit Miri and Brunei and have a one-trip-two-countries travel experience,” he said.
Meanwhile, he has also met and is in constant engagement with the Ministry of Transport Malaysia and the immigration officers of both countries to facilitate this direct bus service.
“Beyond bus services, I have also expressed interest in exploring the inclusion of Brunei in regional cruise itineraries linking Malaysia, China, and Vietnam.
“We can jointly explore the development of cruise routes under the BIMP-EAGA framework. With our combined efforts, we will assist in closer engagement between cruise operators and port authorities to materialise this opportunity,” he said.
He also expressed appreciation that Awang Mohammed Riza has shown interest in working towards these initiatives while strengthening tourism in the region. — DayakDaily
