By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Oct 17: Sarawak is planning to launch direct flight routes through its upcoming airline, Air Borneo, as part of a broader initiative to strengthen bilateral relations and enhance trade and tourism connectivity with Singapore.
In a Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) news, Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg Openg said the move aligns with Sarawak’s strategy to expand its tourism, logistics, and cross-border trade sectors with support from the Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office Singapore (STATOS).
“One of the areas of cooperation we are discussing with Singapore is tourism. That is why we have STATOS here, and we also hope Singapore will grant landing rights to Air Borneo,” he told a press conference after officiating the Sarawak Mega Fair 2025 at the Suntec Singapore Convention and Exhibition Centre on Thursday (Oct 16).
Expanding on the plan, Abang Johari said Air Borneo will adopt a unique model compared to conventional carriers, offering not only passenger services but also specialised cargo flights for chilled produce from Sarawak to Singapore.
“We will be using ATR-72 aircraft modified into refrigerated cargo planes. For example, seafood and fresh fruits can be flown out of Sarawak as early as 6am and reach Singapore before 7.30am, ready for the market,” he explained.
He said this initiative will create greater value for local entrepreneurs seeking faster and more efficient access to the Singapore market.
At the same time, Abang Johari underscored Sarawak’s competitiveness as an investment destination, citing attractive incentives such as competitive land prices, low premiums, and energy tariff concessions that continue to draw foreign investors, including those from Singapore.
He also reaffirmed Sarawak’s commitment to supplying green energy to Singapore by 2032, in line with the tripartite agreement between Malaysia, Indonesia, and Sarawak to construct an undersea power transmission cable. — DayakDaily
