Batik Air’s new direct KL-Bintulu flight out to benefit both sides, says Tiong

BINTULU (Nov 2): The new Batik Air direct flight between Bintulu and Kuala Lumpur should boost the tourism and business sectors of both sides.

In this regard, Tourism, Arts, and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing hailed the inaugural Bintulu-Kuala Lumpur flight on Friday afternoon as ‘marking a new chapter for both areas’.

“With this flight, it will simultaneously benefit the business and tourism sectors and enhance the connectivity between the two destinations,” the Bintulu MP said in a statement.

Adding on, Tiong acknowledged that opening this route was not an easy task as it required a complex preparation and also collaborative efforts from various stakeholders.

“It also requires coordination and dedication from many parties, including government agencies, airlines, and responsible officials,” said the federal minister, who is also Dudong assemblyman.

In this aspect, he spoke about the meeting between his ministry and Batik Air on July 30, where both sides discussed potential routes such as Kuala Lumpur-Bintulu and Johor Bahru-Bintulu.

“Not long after that meeting, Malaysia Airlines faced issues with its flight schedule and technical delays, raising public concerns about flight preparations.

“As a result, the positive response from Batik Air is very much welcomed and has alleviated concerns among the parties regarding the willingness to expand their flight routes to Bintulu,” he added.

In September, Batik Air chief executive officer Datuk Chandran Rama Muthy confirmed that the Malaysian Civil Aviation Authority (CAAM) had approved the Kuala Lumpur-Bintulu route.

Meanwhile, Tiong gave his assurance that his ministry would continue to actively collaborate with domestic and international airlines towards developing a broader network of routes.

“This commitment, among other things, is to provide more flight options for the people of Sarawak, especially in supporting economic growth and elevating the state to a higher level in various aspects in the future.”