MAS urged to reinstate Bintulu-Kuching, KK routes; AirBorneo asked to step in if needed

Johnny Pang (file photo). Photo credit: Johnny Pang Facebook

By Shikin Louis

KUCHING, May 14: Tanjong Batu assemblyman Johnny Pang Leong Ming today urged Malaysia Airlines (MAS) to reinstate flights between Bintulu and Kuching as well as Kota Kinabalu, while calling on AirBorneo to step in should the national carrier be unable to do so.

Raising the issue during the Motion of Appreciation on the Sarawak Governor’s opening address at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) today, Pang said flight frequency remains a major concern for travellers in Bintulu.

According to him, Bintulu’s position as one of Sarawak’s major industrial and economic hubs means there is constant travel demand involving businesspeople, government officers, students, patients and families.

“Therefore, I request Malaysia Airlines, or MAS, our national carrier, to consider reinstating its domestic flight services within Sarawak and nearby regional routes, especially to improve the Bintulu-Kuching route and the Bintulu-Kota Kinabalu route.

“If MAS is unable to do so, then I hope AirBorneo can seriously look into operating the Bintulu-Kuching and Bintulu-Kota Kinabalu routes,” he said.

He also said better flight frequency would reduce travel difficulties, support business activities, improve government service delivery and strengthen Bintulu’s role as an economic centre.

He added that improved air connectivity would also support tourism, investment and family mobility.

“If Bintulu is expected to play a bigger role in Sarawak’s economy, then Bintulu must be better connected and have comparative fares,” he emphasised. — DayakDaily