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By William Isau
SIBU, Oct 2: The Sibu-Singapore direct flight is expected to be launched by the end of this year, says Bukit Assek assemblyman Joseph Chieng.
According to him, AirAsia is nearing the completion of its market research in the sector.
“This direct international flight is not only for Sibu but nearby areas or districts such as Bintangor, Sarikei, and others that need it.
“This is because the requirement for a population of one million to get direct international flights has already been achieved by taking into account the population in this central region,” he said at the inauguration of the Rajang River Festival at Pulau Li Hua last night.
Chieng said that the proposal to get direct international flights had already been brought up during the second State Legislative Assembly (DUN) meeting in the middle of this year.
“As the gateway in the central region, Sibu should get this flight because we have requested it. Just like Miri is the gateway to the north of Sarawak and Kuching is the gateway to the south of Sarawak, both already have direct international flights, so Sibu should also have it,” he stressed.
He added that this direct international flight would allow Sibu to be connected to other countries and, thus, be able to promote its tourism products more effectively.
“If there is a flight like this, Sibu will get many benefits in the future, especially its tourism sector.
“We are all waiting for good news about it later,” he said. — DayakDaily