Batik Air, Sarawak plan new route expansion, festive travel support

KUCHING (March 12): Efforts to strengthen Sarawak’s air connectivity, including introducing additional Batik Air flights during the upcoming Hari Raya Aidilfitri and exploring potential new international routes, were discussed during a meeting on Monday.

Sarawak Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin and Batik Air Malaysia chief executive officer Datuk Chandran Rama Muthy reaffirmed their commitments to work closely to improve travel access to the state.

“This is in line with supporting travel demand during peak festive periods and further promoting Sarawak as an attractive destination for both domestic and international travellers,” Lee said in a statement.

The discussion covered flight scheduling, including the possibility of increasing frequencies during peak periods to accommodate higher passenger demand.

Special festive airfares were also addressed in line with the initiative announced by the Federal Transport Minister Anthony Loke, which caps base fares at RM499 for selected flights from Peninsular Malaysia to Sabah and Sarawak during festive seasons.

The meeting also explored the introduction of new international routes into Sarawak, including potential services from Guangzhou, Zhangjiajie and Kunming, aimed at boosting tourism and economic growth.

Batik Air Malaysia shared updates on its international chartered scheduled flights between Kuching and Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, set to commence on March 17.

The flights will operate twice weekly, departing from Kuching on Tuesdays and Saturdays at 10.20pm and returning from Guangzhou on Wednesdays and Sundays at 3.20am.

Lee noted that additional routes from Zhangjiajie and Kunming are expected later this year, further strengthening connectivity with China and supporting tourism and travel between the destinations.

“Improving air connectivity is a crucial step in enhancing the state’s accessibility and supporting the growth of tourism and economic activities,” Lee added.

Both parties also discussed promoting Sarawak unique culture, local local products and cuisine, such as kolo mee and Sarawak laksa, alongside iconic attractions such as the Unesco World Heritage-listed Mulu and Niah caves.

These efforts complement national tourism campaigns such as Visit Malaysia 2026 and Cuti-Cuti Malaysia to attract both domestic and international visitors.