New routes to spur Sarawak’s economy
KUCHING: Sarawak is upbeat about attracting more investments with the launch of two international inaugural flights to the state — from Shenzhen to Kuching and Singapore to Bintulu.
State Tourism, Arts and Culture Assistant Minister Datuk Lee Kim Shin said the two new routes operated by AirAsia Bhd, would stimulate the economy and tourism industry in the state.
He said Shenzhen and Kuching had nothing much in common, thus, it was an ideal step to connect the two cities.
“Shenzhen is a modern city while Sarawak, with its rainforests, is rich in resources and biodiversity, a place to get close with nature, cultures and adventure.
“Thus, there’s something for the Chinese tourists to look forward to. A place for them to rest and relax, away from their busy lifestyle back home (in Shenzhen),” he said.
The international flight also promotes greater business collaborations and opportunities for Sarawak and China.
After receiving the first Shenzhen to Kuching flight which landed at Kuching International Airport here about 7.50am yesterday, Lee said the first flight was about 80 per cent full.
“Half of the seats (50 per cent) for this route had been sold up to March next year and we are expecting more tourists to come in,” he added.
Present were People’s Republic of China Deputy Consul-General in Kuching Zhang Yang, and Sarawak Tourism Board chairman Datuk Abdul Wahab Aziz.
In Bintulu, the first international direct flight, connecting Singapore, landed at the Bintulu Airport about 11am.
Lee, who was also there to welcome the inaugural flight said Bintulu had become an industrial town, with rapid development over the years.
It has recorded about RM2 billion worth of foreign investments, with seven major industrial factories set up and three under construction.
“We need more direct flights to connect the business travelers here.
“Besides, Bintulu also has several national parks and tourist spots worth visiting,” he said.
Lee called on industry players to work together to identify more potential products and attractions, and to provide quality tour services as well as marketing and promotion strategies to boost the industry.
“We want to sustain the flights, so, we must put in our efforts, too, to have more flights and better connectivity,” he added.
With the new routes, travellers can save time and have a hasslefree experience in the state as they do not need to transit at other airports.
Bintulu member of parliament Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing said he had raised the issue that his constituency needed to have better air connectivity and appreciated that AirAsia had taken prompt action and launch the international direct flight.
AirAsia Berhad commercial head Spencer Lee said the airline company was always committed towards expanding the market in Sarawak and to improve connectivity in and out of the state.
“To date, we have flown about 4.8 million guests in and out of Sarawak, which is 12 per cent higher compared with last year, with China and Singapore nationalities in the top five group of visitors ,” he said.
AirAsia now flies to 12 destinations from Kuching with a total of 229 weekly flights one way. AirAsia also flies to three destinations from Bintulu, namely, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Kuching with a total of 39 weekly flights one way.