By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, Nov 21: Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg announced that RM11 million will be set aside in 2023 as financial incentives and support for the Kuching Umrah Gateway (KUG) initiative.
This will be achieved through Sarawak Tourism Board (STB).
“In 2023, a sum of RM11 million will be set aside as financial incentives and support for this initiative.
“This is expected to generate an estimated RM16 million in economic benefits in terms of local tours and tourism receipts,” Abang Johari said during the Third Session of the First Term of the 19th Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting at the DUN complex here this morning.
He disclosed that efforts are being made to increase flight connectivity.
“International connectivity with Singapore and Brunei has been re-established, while active negotiations are being pursued with the Indonesian authorities to resume direct flights between Kuching and Pontianak before the end of the year,” he added.
Abang Johari also emphasised that the State government is launching its own boutique airline to serve point-to-point destinations and attract more visitors to Sarawak as air connectivity is critical for tourism growth.
“We hope to be given an Air Service Licence (ASL) which will allow the new airline to conduct scheduled passenger services,” he highlighted. — DayakDaily
