Karim holds out potential of Sarawak-Terengganu flights

KUCHING: Sarawak is hoping to collaborate with Terengganu particularly in the area of tourism in future.

Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, in this instance, pointed to the potential for direct flights between Terengganu and Sarawak

This can further enhance connectivity and boost tourism between the two states, he said.

“We may offer direct flights from Kuching to Kuala Terengganu or from Miri to Kuala Terengganu to better promote our cultures, cuisine and unique attractions,” he said.

He was speaking at the Terengganu-Sarawak Cross-Cultural Programme dinner here on yesterday (Aug 20).

Abdul Karim expressed optimism about establishing direct flights between Terengganu and Sarawak, particularly with the anticipated launch of the state’s new airline, the operations of which are expected to begin in 2025.

He noted that Sarawak currently enjoys direct flights from Kota Bharu, Penang, and Kota Kinabalu to Kuching, which have been well-received by both domestic and international visitors.

“We are also in discussions with AirAsia to reinstate the Kuching-Langkawi flight route.

“Many Kuching residents enjoy traveling to Langkawi for various activities, and reestablishing this route will make it easier for them to travel directly without transiting in Kuala Lumpur,” he said.

He also said that Sarawak’s approach to tourism, encapsulated in the slogan Culture, Adventure, Nature, Food, and Festival (CANFF) is deeply rooted in the state’s cultural heritage and natural beauty.

“This is due to Sarawak, a vast state with a rich cultural heritage, being known for its diversity, with 34 recognised ethnic groups,” he said.

Abdul Karim said the potential of this diversity is a unique tourism attraction for Terengganu visitors to experience.

Additionally, he also addressed the growing popularity of Sarawak as a tourism destination, noting the rising number of visitors and the recognition of Kuching as a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) City of Gastronomy.

“We do not solely focus on immediate profits because the return on investment (ROI) from promotions and events often takes time to materialise.

“When visitors come, they stay in hotels, which supports the hotel industry, and they dine at local food stalls and restaurants, benefiting the broader tourism sector,” he said.

Hence, this growth positively impacts related industries like Grab, car rentals, and other services.

On another note, he said the organisation of the Malaysia Games (Sukma) is not only seen as a sports competition but also a means to foster stronger connections between the people and leaders of different states.

He said this as he welcomed the Terengganu athletes, officials and state leaders who have come to Sarawak to participate in the Games.

“Sukma acts as a gateway for these young athletes to explore new places and cultures, thus broadening their horizons beyond the sports field,” he said.

Abdul Karim also said Sukma, beyond its immediate sports significance, has a broader impact on tourism especially considering Sarawak is a vast state, almost as large as the entire Peninsular Malaysia.

The influx of athletes, officials, and supporters boosts local tourism, providing an economic uplift to the host state, he added.

Also present were Deputy Ministers Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Snowdan Lawan and Datuk Sebastian Ting and Tourism, Culture, Environment, and Climate Change Terengganu state committee deputy chairman Sulaiman Sulong.