Sarawak to continue expanding AirBorneo network, strengthening connectivity

MIRI, Oct 30 — Sarawak will continue to expand AirBorneo’s flight network, upgrade airport facilities, and strengthen air connectivity as part of its efforts to develop the state’s aviation sector.

Caretaker Minister of Transport Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin said aviation is particularly important to Sarawak because of its vast geographical area and widely dispersed rural communities.

“For many of our people, particularly those living in the interior, aviation is a lifeline connecting them to healthcare, education, economic opportunities, and their loved ones,” he said during the ministry’s engagement session and appreciation dinner to mark its seventh anniversary yesterday.

Lee said the establishment of AirBorneo was one of the most significant milestones in Sarawak’s aviation development over the past seven years.

“The establishment of AirBorneo represents more than the ownership of an airline.

“It reflects Sarawak’s determination to safeguard essential rural air services while progressively expanding domestic and international connectivity,” he said.

According to Lee, the airline is also expected to create opportunities in tourism, trade, investment, and employment, particularly in aircraft maintenance, engineering, and aviation training.

“Through planned fleet development and network expansion, our ambition is to connect Sarawak more effectively with destinations within Malaysia, across Asean and eventually with major international markets,” he said.

On airport infrastructure, Lee said the proposed upgrading of Miri Airport, estimated to cost RM445 million, is among the state’s major priorities.

The project aims to increase terminal capacity, improve passenger facilities, and strengthen Miri’s position as an important gateway for northern Sarawak, tourism, trade, and the oil and gas industry.

Other proposed developments include runway extensions for Bario and Limbang, the proposed New Lawas Airport, and upgrading facilities in Ba Kelalan and Long Banga.

He also highlighted the proposed New Kuching International Airport at Tanjung Embang, for which a feasibility study is being carried out to assess its long-term requirements and development potential.

The proposed development would include passenger and cargo facilities, logistics, aircraft maintenance, aerospace industries, and other aviation-related activities.

Rural Air Services (RAS) remained essential to communities in remote areas, he said, including Bario, Ba Kelalan, Long Seridan, and Long Akah.

“Rural aviation cannot always be measured by commercial returns alone. Its true value lies in providing accessibility, promoting social inclusion, and ensuring that communities in the interior are not left behind in Sarawak’s development,” he said.

The ministry would continue working with the Federal Ministry of Transport, Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia, Malaysia Airports, and the rural air service operator to address operational challenges and safeguard essential air connectivity, he said.

Looking ahead, Lee said Sarawak also aims to develop its aviation workforce and explore opportunities in drone technology and sustainable aviation.

“Our long-term ambition is not merely to have better airports and more flights, but to develop a comprehensive and sustainable aviation ecosystem encompassing airlines, airports, aerospace industries, aviation training, logistics, and emerging technologies,” he said.

He added that the state wants more Sarawakians to pursue careers in aviation, including as pilots, aircraft maintenance engineers, aviation technicians, and aerospace professionals. — The Borneo Post

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美里，10月30日讯——砂拉越将继续扩大婆罗洲航空公司的航线网络，升级机场设施，并加强航空连通性，以此作为发展该州航空业努力的一部分。

交通部看守部长拿督斯里李金新表示，由于砂拉越地域辽阔，农村社区分散，航空业对砂拉越尤为重要。

“对于我们许多人民，特别是那些居住在内陆地区的人民来说，航空是连接他们与医疗保健、教育、经济机会以及亲人的生命线，”他在昨天该部为庆祝成立七周年而举行的交流会和答谢晚宴上说道。

李表示，成立婆罗洲航空是砂拉越过去七年航空发展中最重要的里程碑之一。

“成立 AirBorneo 不仅仅意味着拥有一家航空公司。”

他说：“这体现了砂拉越在逐步扩大国内和国际连通性的同时，保障农村地区基本航空服务的决心。”

李表示，该航空公司还有望在旅游、贸易、投资和就业方面创造机会，尤其是在飞机维修、工程和航空培训方面。

他说：“通过有计划的船队发展和网络扩张，我们的目标是更有效地将砂拉越与马来西亚境内、东盟各地以及最终与主要国际市场连接起来。”

关于机场基础设施，李表示，拟议中的美里机场升级改造项目预计耗资 4.45 亿令吉，是该州的主要优先事项之一。

该项目旨在提高航站楼容量，改善旅客设施，并巩固美里作为砂拉越北部、旅游业、贸易以及石油和天然气行业重要门户的地位。

其他拟议的开发项目包括延长巴里奥和林邦的跑道、拟建的新拉瓦斯机场，以及升级巴克拉兰和隆邦加的设施。

他还重点介绍了拟建的位于丹绒恩邦的新古晋国际机场，目前正在进行可行性研究，以评估其长期需求和发展潜力。

拟建项目将包括客运和货运设施、物流、飞机维修、航空航天工业以及其他航空相关活动。

他表示，乡村航空服务 (RAS) 对偏远地区的社区仍然至关重要，包括巴里奥、巴克拉兰、隆塞里丹和隆阿卡。

他说：“衡量乡村航空的价值不能仅仅看商业回报。它的真正价值在于提供交通便利、促进社会融合，并确保砂拉越内陆社区不会在发展进程中掉队。”

他表示，该部将继续与联邦交通部、马来西亚民航局、马来西亚机场管理局和乡村航空服务运营商合作，以应对运营挑战并保障必要的航空连通性。

李表示，展望未来，砂拉越还计划发展其航空劳动力，并探索无人机技术和可持续航空领域的机遇。

他说：“我们的长期目标不仅仅是拥有更好的机场和更多的航班，而是要发展一个全面、可持续的航空生态系统，涵盖航空公司、机场、航空航天工业、航空培训、物流和新兴技术。”

他还补充说，砂拉越州希望更多砂拉越人从事航空业，包括飞行员、飞机维修工程师、航空技师和航空航天专业人员等职业。——《婆罗洲邮报》

槟城将首先集中精力处理职业安全与健康局（DOSH）的调查，此前非政府组织要求对巴耶特鲁邦致命山体滑坡事件展开公开调查。

亚当·阿德利表示，信任与支持协议并不限制各政党的政治决策。

MB表示，为期五天的森美兰州议会将于11月26日举行，但须得到端姑慕力兹的同意