By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, May 29: Sarawak has welcomed the federal government’s openness to exploring a decentralised model for the development of the proposed New Kuching International Airport (NKIA), a move seen as giving the State a greater role in shaping its aviation future.
In a media release, Sarawak Minister of Transport, Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, said this followed a courtesy call on his federal counterpart, Anthony Loke Siew Fook, in Putrajaya on Tuesday (May 26).
“The decentralised approach under consideration for NKIA reflects a more collaborative model of development, allowing the Sarawak government to play a greater role in the planning and implementation of the project while supporting Sarawak’s long-term aviation and economic aspirations,” said Lee.
He added that the meeting also touched on the submission of the Aerodrome Development Request to the federal government.
In addition, the meeting provided an opportunity to discuss rising domestic airfares in Sarawak, where Lee proposed reviving the Kuching–Sibu, Kuching–Bintulu, and Kuching–Miri routes under the Rural Air Services Public Service Obligation (PSO) framework, which could help improve connectivity and ease the financial burden on Sarawakians travelling within the State.
“Air connectivity is extremely important for Sarawak due to our geographical size and dispersed population. Reviving these routes under the PSO framework could help make domestic travel more affordable and accessible for the people,” he said.
The possibility of introducing airfare cap mechanisms for the affected routes was also discussed, in which Loke suggested that AirBorneo could explore operating the routes commercially using its available ATR72 aircraft.
Meanwhile, Lee also said that additional flights between Miri and Bario have been approved in conjunction with the upcoming Bario Food and Cultural Festival (Pesta Nukenen Bario) expected to take place later in July.
In addition, the meeting also touched on Sarawak’s proposed Bintulu–Samalaju rail link under the wider Trans-Borneo Railway initiative, increasing Speed Limitation Device (SLD) suppliers and installers in Sarawak to improve accessibility for transport operators across the State, which Loke said had increased, and the Weight Restriction Order (WRO) involving heavy vehicles, of which Loke clarified falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Works.
Lee said the meeting reflected the close cooperation between the federal and State transport ministers in addressing transportation issues and improving connectivity for the benefit of the people. — DayakDaily
