By Tedong Rantayy
MIRI, Jan 14: Batik Air has inaugurated its direct flight service between Kuala Lumpur and Miri today, marking its fourth destination in Sarawak after Kuching, Sibu, and Bintulu.
The inaugural flight, carrying eight crew members and 63 passengers, arrived at Miri Airport at 8.45am, greeted with a warm and vibrant welcome ceremony.
Passengers were adorned with traditional bead garlands in a celebration organised by the Sarawak Tourism Board (STB).
Speaking at the launch, Sarawak’s Minister for Transport, Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin, highlighted the significance of the new route.
“The additional airlines connecting West Malaysia and Sarawak not only enhance travel convenience but also create new opportunities for economic growth. Miri, as a tourism city and industrial hub, stands to benefit greatly from this development,” he said.
Lee also emphasised Miri’s growing prominence in the oil and gas (O&G) industry, reinforced by the recent transfer of Shell Malaysia’s headquarters to the city.
“This is a testament to the confidence that airlines and major industry players have in Miri as a preferred investment destination,” he said.
Responding to questions regarding the possibility of international flights from Miri, Lee revealed ongoing discussions with Batik Air.
“I am proposing to them that their aircraft could also serve international destinations from Miri. It is nearer to certain locations, like China. Direct flights from Miri to China can be considered, and we will apply for them to provide this service,” he said.
He noted that China is seen as a key potential market, with the city of Shenzhen being a past international destination for Miri.
“This would not only boost tourism arrivals in Miri but also facilitate business activities, especially in the oil and gas sector and other industries in the region,” he added.
The expansion of Miri Airport has also been prioritised to support increasing passenger demand.
In September 2024, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim approved the airport’s expansion plans, following a surge in passenger traffic, which reached nearly 2.5 million in 2019, surpassing its existing capacity.
The expansion will include a terminal extension, upgrades to Rural Air Services (RAS) facilities, additional check-in counters, a new baggage handling system, and improvements to passenger boarding bridges and the departure hall.
Miri Mayor Adam Yii Siew Sang, Miri MP Chiew Choon Man, Sarawak Transport Ministry permanent secretary Datu Wong Hee Sieng, and Batik Air ground operations general manager Ariff Abdul Aziz. — DayakDaily
