By Nur Ashikin Louis
KUCHING, May 16: Sarawak is working closely with the Malaysian Ministry of Transport (MOT) and various airlines to reinstate flights to Sarawak.
Deputy Minister of Transport Sarawak Datuk Dr Jerip Susil said the engagements with airline leaders have resulted in additional flights from Singapore, Bandar Seri Begawan in Brunei Darussalam and Kuala Lumpur to Kuching, Sibu, Bintulu and Miri.
“The ministry is also working with the airlines to expand Sarawak connectivity to Indonesia and China. In this regard, Kuching will have its first direct connection to Jakarta commencing from June 15, 2023.
“With increased flight frequency by more airlines, it will create healthy competition that would result in more affordable and competitive airfares.
“Further engagements were also made to increase flight frequency into Sarawak during festive seasons and school holidays,” he said when responding to a question from Kota Sentosa assemblyman Yap Yau Sin during the question-and-answer session in the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting here today.
Dr Jerip also disclosed that there are 41 international flights to Sarawak scheduled weekly, mainly from Singapore and Brunei Darussalam, and operated by AirAsia, Malaysia Airlines, Royal Brunei Airlines and Scoot.
As for domestic routes, he said there are 447 flights to Sarawak scheduled weekly. The flights are from Kota Bharu, Penang, Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, Labuan and Kota Kinabalu, operated by Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia, FireFly, MASwings, Batik Air and MYAirline. — DayakDaily
