By Doreen Ling
KUCHING, Apr 11: AirBorneo is expected to have three Boeing aircraft by July, with Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg proposing another route to Jakarta once the airline commences commercial operations, paving the way for growth in medical tourism.
He explained that the Jakarta route would complement AirBorneo’s initial services linking Kuching with Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, and Kota Kinabalu.
“The flight, which will take about an hour and 20 minutes, will bring in more medical tourists,” he said during a press conference held in conjunction with his visit to the Integrated Administrative Centre (IAC) and Rangau Valley Housing Project in Limbang today, where a recording was later made available to the media.
Abang Johari explained that improved air connectivity would make it easier for international patients from neighbouring countries to travel to Kuching to seek treatment.
He added that this is timely as Sarawak is set to further strengthen its healthcare ecosystem with the development of new private hospitals in Kuching, including those planned for Batu Lintang and Tabuan Jaya.
“These will be state-of-the-art hospitals, staffed by specialist doctors,” he said.
In a related development, he said that the State government is also planning to expand entry point facilities at Limbang Airport, in addition to the new Lawas Airport, to support growth in the sector.
Meanwhile, on his visit to the Rangau Valley Housing Project which was completed this month, Abang Johari said that it was a project which was revived by the Sarawak government to offer quality and affordable housing to Limbang residents.
The relocation of 127 homeowners from the Limbang III Rangau People’s Housing Scheme (RPR) to the new housing area is expected to improve residents’ quality of life by providing more comfortable and conducive living conditions.
He also said that those who purchased the earlier homes and have relocated there will still pay the original price.
He said that in addition to housing, Rangau Valley was also developed into a commercial area which includes hotels and commercial buildings located between the old and new Limbang.
As for his visit to the IAC, he commanded it as a combination of heritage and modernisation that emphasises green concepts.
“This means that Limbang Lawas will have an administration centre that is advanced and developed with modern facilities,” he said.
The ongoing RM157.28 million will serve as a new catalyst for administrative efficiency and economic development in the Limbang Division. — DayakDaily
