KUCHING, Nov 23: Bukit Assek assemblyman Joseph Chieng Jin Ek is urging AirAsia Berhad to reconsider its decision to suspend its Singapore-Sibu route and, instead, reduce the frequency to two or three flights weekly.
Chieng contended that maintaining this reduced schedule would cater to the needs of businesspeople and locals working or studying in Singapore, and would significantly boost tourism between the two destinations.
He also welcomed any initiative by other airlines to fill the void left by AirAsia’s suspension of the direct flight, emphasising the concerns of the Sibu community regarding the escalating prices of air tickets and the impending cessation of the AirAsia service, effective at the end of February 2024.
“These issues require immediate attention and resolution.
“I urge both the Federal and Sarawak Ministry of Transport to intervene in the high price of air tickets from Sibu to West Malaysia and the imminent suspension of the AirAsia direct flight from Sibu to Singapore.
“This concern isn’t merely about travel convenience; it strikes at the heart of accessibility and fairness for our people,” he said when debating Sarawak Budget 2024 during the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting at DUN Complex here today.
He expressed concern over the severity and injustice of the situation, with the dwindling number of flights and rising ticket prices burdening the residents of Sibu, who are left with no alternative for air travel to Peninsular Malaysia.
“The impact of these soaring prices transcends inconvenience. It directly affects local tourism, economic growth, and the livelihoods of Sibu residents who rely on Peninsular Malaysia travel for various necessities.
“I urge the Federal Ministry of Transport to increase frequency of (flights from) Sibu to Kuala Lumpur, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu flights,” he added. — DayakDaily
