KUCHING: The flight connectivity between Kuching and Pontianak is expected to resume by the end of this year.
Transport Minister Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin said there have been numerous requests for direct flight to connect the two cities, especially for medical purposes.
“If the flight is resumed, it will be more convenient for the people, especially those who wish to seek for medical treatment here.
“If they were to travel by road instead, it would take them at least six hours to come here. Therefore, we would like to see this flight connectivity resume soon,” he said, adding that AirAsia is ready to resume the flight.
He said this after receiving a courtesy visit from the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia Kuching Raden Sigit Witjaksono at Baitulmakmur building here today.
On the express bus services, he said, most operators have received positive responses since they resume operation,
Currently, he said, express bus services, namely Biaramas Express from Kuching to Pontianak operates every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday while Damri Express operates on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
“With the overwhelming response, we have discussed for the express bus services (companies) to operate daily from Kuching to Pontianak and also from Pontianak to Kuching starting next month,” he said.
“People who opt to take a bus (instead of plane) are usually those who are travelling for cross-border trade, workers, as well as people who come to visit their relatives here,” he said.
On another related matter, Lee said, they also discussed a proposed new route, from Kuching to Singkawang as well as Kuching – Lubok Antu – Badau – Putussibau.
He said Raden proposed another border crossing through Biawak, Lundu.
For that, he said that his ministry and his Indonesian counterpart would soon go on ground to inspect the border facilities.
Meanwhile, Raden said he had conveyed the several matters discussed during the meeting to the Ministry of Transport as well as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Jakarta beforehand.
“Hopefully, they will look into the matters soon as there are preparations that need to be done (once they are approved).
“We hope with better air and road connectivity, it will benefit both Sarawak and Kalimantan side,” he said.
