By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Feb 11: Sarawakians travelling home for Chinese New Year will benefit from 24 additional Malaysia Airlines flights and a fixed one-way fare of RM339.
Sarawak Minister for Transport Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin said the extra flights are aimed at easing congestion during the festive peak season.
He said six additional flights will operate on the Kuala Lumpur–Kuching route, 16 on the Kuala Lumpur–Sibu route, and two on the Kuala Lumpur–Miri route.
“Festive seasons are especially meaningful for families. With East Malaysia separated from Peninsular Malaysia by the South China Sea, air travel remains the only practical means of returning home.
“Therefore, ahead of every major festive celebration, the Ministry of Transport Sarawak engages with airline operators to request additional flights so that Sarawakians can reunite with their loved ones,” he said in a statement today.
Lee added that a flat RM339 one-way fare to Sarawak will be available from Feb 11 to 23, offering passengers more predictable and affordable travel options.
He made the remarks following a courtesy call yesterday by representatives of Malaysia Airlines Group (MAG), who briefed him on Malaysia Airlines and Firefly’s festive service plans for Sarawak in the first quarter of 2026.
Welcoming the added capacity and special fare initiative for the Chinese New Year period, Lee noted that both Malaysia Airlines and Firefly are also expected to increase flights for the upcoming Aidilfitri festive season, particularly on routes linking Peninsular Malaysia and Sarawak.
He said the ministry remains in close coordination with airline operators, the Ministry of Transport Malaysia and the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) to ensure sufficient seat capacity during peak travel periods while keeping airfares reasonable.
Lee added that other airlines are likewise expected to review and enhance their flight schedules to meet overall passenger demand.
During the meeting, he was also briefed on MAG’s senior management reshuffle, which took effect on Feb 1, and expressed appreciation for the airline group’s continued efforts to strengthen Sarawak’s air connectivity during major festive seasons.
Also present were Malaysia Airlines Group Head of Government and Industry Relations Nita Malek, Head of Network Planning Leong Chuo Sheng, Station Head Kuching Muhammad Yasser Rabusah, Sarawak Transport Ministry Permanent Secretary Datu Wong Hee Sieng, and Head of the Aviation Division Dayang Nurhayati Abang Ahmad. — DayakDaily
