KUCHING: The Ministry of Transport Sarawak (MoTS) is exploring opportunities to introduce direct flights to cities in the Asian region, including the possibility of reconnecting the Miri-Manila route.
Its minister Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin said the ministry is also exploring opportunities to expand air routes to Kalimantan and other cities within Sarawak.
“We remember the convenience of direct flights between Miri and Manila in the past and we hope to re-establish such vital air links to enhance connectivity.
“Shifting our focus to air connectivity, we are resolved to expanding the network of accessible routes within our region.
“We had also established a new air route from Jakarta to Kuching in June this year,” Lee said during his opening speech at the Sarawak Transportation Conference 2023 which involves the East Asia Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) comprising Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines at Pullman Hotel here today.
At the same time, the ministry is also planning to resume direct flights from Kuching to Pontianak and Lee hoped it can begin operations in the near future.
In a related development, he stressed the importance of the subregional cooperation initiative — BIMP-EAGA-East Asean Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA).
On the conference, he said it acts as a platform to conceive and accelerate socioeconomic development of the less developed and geographically remote areas of the four countries in a shared commitment to foster balanced, inclusive development and narrow the development gaps within our nations.
“Today’s conference is further enriched as it is held in conjunction with the 10th BIMP-EAGA Transport Cluster Meeting, scheduled from Sept 7 to 8.
“Through the BIMP-EAGA platform, Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia and Philippines are to work together to fortify regional connectivity by nurturing collaboration, harmonisation of policies, processes and procedures across our borders.
“As we are all well aware, the transport sector is recognised as a key catalyst for sustained economic growth,” he said.
