Kuching: The submission of a memorandum on Bintulu’s flight connectivity issues to Transport Minister Anthony Loke has sparked fresh debate over Sarawak’s aviation policies, with DAP calling for a review of efforts to improve air travel accessibility and affordability in the state.
Special assistant to Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen, Sim Kiat Leng said the move by Tanjong Batu assemblyman Johnny Pang highlighted ongoing concerns over reduced flight frequencies and high airfares affecting Bintulu residents and businesses.
He noted that despite Sarawak having its own transport ministry, the issue had ultimately been brought to the attention of the federal government, raising questions about how aviation-related concerns are being addressed at the state level.
“The situation was particularly noteworthy as Sarawak Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin and Pang are both members of the Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP).
“The development has prompted public discussion on whether more effective measures are needed to tackle persistent airfare and connectivity challenges,” he said.
Sim also referred to the Sarawak government’s acquisition of MASwings and the establishment of AirBorneo, which he said had been presented as a means of enhancing connectivity and making air travel more affordable for Sarawakians.
However, he said many travellers are still waiting to see significant improvements, particularly on major commercial routes.
He cited concerns previously raised by DAP Sarawak chairman and Padungan assemblyman Chong Chieng Jen in the Sarawak Legislative Assembly, including claims that some AirBorneo fares during the Hari Raya festive season were higher than those offered by AirAsia on comparable routes.
Sim also pointed to flight schedules that allegedly required passengers travelling between Kuching and Sibu to transit through Miri, resulting in longer journeys.
While acknowledging AirBorneo’s continued role in providing Rural Air Services (RAS), he said questions remain over whether the airline has effectively addressed airfare affordability on high-demand routes such as Bintulu-Kuala Lumpur.
At the same time, Sim highlighted measures introduced by the federal government to manage airfare costs during major festive seasons, including Gawai and Kaamatan. He said the fare cap mechanism allows the government to subsidise ticket prices when fares exceed the approved ceiling.
“The reliable and affordable air connectivity is crucial for Bintulu, given its importance as one of Sarawak’s key industrial and economic hubs.
“Reduced flight availability and expensive tickets affect not only ordinary travellers but also business operations and economic activity, ” he said.
He called on the Sarawak government and relevant stakeholders to evaluate AirBorneo’s effectiveness and ensure that investments in the aviation sector deliver the intended benefits to the public.
“DAP Sarawak would continue monitoring aviation-related developments and state expenditure to ensure accountability and safeguard the interests of Sarawakians,” he added.
