Latest news with #MASwings
Borneo Post
03-08-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
MASwings to offer daily Miri-Long Banga flights starting Aug 8
A MASwings Twin Otter aircraft. – File photo MIRI (Aug 3): MASwings is enhancing air connectivity to the interior with the addition of two more weekly direct flights between Miri and Long Banga, bringing the total frequency to a daily service effective Aug 8. The new flights, scheduled on Mondays and Fridays, will complement the existing services on Thursdays and Saturdays, and three transit flights, offering greater convenience and accessibility for travellers, particularly local residents. MASwings chief operating officer Suresh Singam said the airline remains committed to serving the socio-economic needs of rural populations in East Malaysia. 'By introducing two additional weekly flights, we are proud to now offer daily services between Miri and Long Banga, a significant milestone in rural air connectivity. 'This initiative would not have been possible without the continued support and approval of the Ministry of Transport Malaysia, for which we are truly grateful. 'We believe this enhancement will not only facilitate easier travel, but also improve access to essential services, strengthen community ties, and uplift the quality of life for residents in this region,' he said in a statement. Previously, rural communities in Long Banga had long appealed for additional flights, citing the high cost and long journey via logging roads between their settlement and Miri. Travelling by four-wheel drive can take up to 10 hours depending on road conditions. flights lead Long Banga maswings miri
Borneo Post
03-08-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
MASwings increases Miri-Long Banga flights to daily service starting Aug 8
A MASwings Twin Otter aircraft. – File photo MIRI (Aug 3): MASwings is enhancing air connectivity to the interior with the addition of two more weekly flights between Miri and Long Banga, bringing the total frequency to a daily service effective Aug 8. The new flights, scheduled on Mondays and Fridays, will complement the existing services on Thursdays and Saturdays, offering greater convenience and accessibility for travellers, particularly local residents. MASwings chief operating officer Suresh Singam said the airline remains committed to serving the socio-economic needs of rural populations in East Malaysia. 'By introducing two additional weekly flights, we are proud to now offer daily services between Miri and Long Banga, a significant milestone in rural air connectivity. 'This initiative would not have been possible without the continued support and approval of the Ministry of Transport Malaysia, for which we are truly grateful. 'We believe this enhancement will not only facilitate easier travel, but also improve access to essential services, strengthen community ties, and uplift the quality of life for residents in this region,' he said in a statement. Previously, rural communities in Long Banga had long appealed for additional flights, citing the high cost and long journey via logging roads between their settlement and Miri. Travelling by four-wheel drive can take up to 10 hours depending on road conditions. flights lead Long Banga maswings miri
Borneo Post
30-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Awang Tengah meets with Kalbar Governor to strengthen regional ties
Awang Tengah (third right) fields questions from the media in Pontianak. Ria Norsan is at right. PONTIANAK (July 30): A Sarawak delegation led by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hassan has met with West Kalimantan (Kalbar) Governor Drs H Ria Norsan here to strengthen regional ties. The pivotal meeting underscored Sarawak's commitment to deepening bilateral ties, attracting high-value investments, fostering innovation, and enhancing regional economic integration. During the meeting, Awang Tengah, who is Minister of International Trade, Industry and Investment, highlighted Sarawak's role as a regional leader in renewable energy and a hub for semiconductor and aerospace industries, emphasising the state's drive for high-value investments and innovation. The discussion also covered air connectivity, including the resumption of the Kuching-Pontianak flight this September, the Sarawak government's takeover of MASwings and its rebranding as AirBorneo, as well as the 2024 launch of the Singkawang-Kuching bus route. 'These initiatives aim to enhance regional connectivity, cross-border trade, tourism, and business linkages across Borneo and the wider Asean region,' said Awang Tengah. He also advocated for the expedition of trade normalisation at the border, including a proposal for a joint economic border committee for mutual development. 'Both sides expressed strong interest in enhancing people-to-people and business-to-business exchanges. 'The upcoming Kuching–Pontianak direct flights, starting Sept 12, 2025, are expected to significantly boost tourism and healthcare access,' he said. He added that the Sarawak government's initiative to establish a Trade and Tourism Office (Stato) in Pontianak further solidifies the state's commitment to long-term regional integration. The visit concluded with a mutual commitment to joint initiatives that will enhance connectivity, promote innovation, and drive sustainable economic progress for both Sarawak and Kalbar. Awang Tengah Ali Hasan H Ria Norsan Kalimantan Barat lead
Borneo Post
21-06-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
MP renews call for free annual flight for teachers in Sarawak
Chiew (second right) performs the officiating gimmick for the annual general meeting, witnessed by Kullin (fourth left), Yong (right) and others. SIBU (June 21): The Sarawak government should consider a proposal put forward last year for teachers serving in the state to be granted one free flight ticket annually, as a token of appreciation for their services. In stating this, Lanang MP Alice Lau said the proposal by Sarawak Teachers Union (STU) Sibu chairman Yong Sie Hing remains highly relevant considering the challenges and sacrifices faced by educators, especially those stationed far from their hometowns. 'This is even timelier with the Sarawak government's plan to establish its own airline following the takeover of MASwings, which is expected to be finalised by the end of this year. 'I hope this proposal can be realised in the interest of teachers' welfare,' she said in a speech delivered by her special assistant Stanley Chiew. Chiew was representing Lau at STU Sibu's 22nd annual general meeting held at Laila Taib College here today. In her speech, the MP also said she supported STU's call for more teachers in the state to join the union to enjoy the benefits of the Madani Workers Card, which offers up to 30 per cent discounts on goods and services from over 100 companies nationwide. 'I believe that only through a strong union can teachers' voices be heard and their welfare safeguarded,' she added. Meanwhile, STU president Kullin Djayang reminded all members not to openly express dissatisfaction with government policies on social media or other platforms, but instead channel any grouses through the union. He also informed that STU will conduct a survey among its members to identify teachers who are interested in pursuing postgraduate studies at the Master's and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) levels, following support received from the Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development. 'This initiative is a preliminary step towards the potential provision of free higher education for educators by 2026. 'The minister (Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn) has agreed with the proposal and has requested STU to conduct a survey to determine the actual number of teachers who are interested. 'If we apply to study at state-owned universities, there is a strong possibility that the studies could be made free of charge,' he said. Alice Lau free flights teachers
The Star
19-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Sarawak takeover of MASwings set to realise tourism potential, says Abdul Karim
KUCHING: Sarawak's acquisition of MASwings Sdn Bhd to become state-owned carrier AirBorneo will significantly boost tourism through better connectivity, says Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah. The state Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister said AirBorneo reflected Sarawak's ambition to improve connectivity and strengthen its ambition to be a leading destination for regional and international travellers. "For too long, air connectivity has been a limiting factor in fully realising Sarawak's tourism potential," he said in an email interview. "With AirBorneo, we are changing that narrative. By transitioning from MASwings into a state-owned, full-service carrier, we are addressing long-standing connectivity gaps, particularly in underserved rural areas. "This allows us to open up the hidden gems of Sarawak, from the heart of the Bornean rainforest to the coastal charm of our lesser-known towns, offering visitors authentic experiences that go far beyond urban centres." It was previously reported that the acquisition of MASwings was expected to be completed by Dec 31 when its ownership will be fully transferred to AirBorneo Holdings Sdn Bhd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the state government The state government signed a sale and purchase agreement with MASwings' parent company Malaysia Aviation Group on Feb 12. Abdul Karim said AirBorneo will initially focus on rural air services within Sarawak and Sabah, with a long-term vision of regional and global connectivity. He said this vision will be achieved through code-sharing agreements with Malaysia Airlines and other major international carriers, connecting Sarawak to Asean and Middle East hubs and eventually to long-haul markets like Germany, South Korea, Japan and beyond. "This connectivity will not only support tourism but drive investment, trade and talent exchange," he said. Abdul Karim also said Sarawak was actively exploring new international routes and greater flight frequencies. "At Routes Asia 2025 in Perth, for example, our delegation engaged with global aviation stakeholders to promote Sarawak's tourism offerings and build new air service opportunities," he said. He added that these efforts were complemented by Sarawak's plans to build a new international airport in Kuching, which would position the state capital as a regional aviation hub. "In short, AirBorneo is a cornerstone of our integrated tourism strategy. It brings together infrastructure, service excellence, rural empowerment and international expansion," he said.
