Tuesday, September 19, 2006

MAS applauded for reinstating Miri-KK flights

By George Francis

MIRI - Sarawakians let out a sigh of relief when Malaysian Airlines' reinstatement of the Miri-Kota Kinabalu route that was scrapped August 1 under the domestic route rationalisation exercise.

Sarawak Deputy Chief Minister Dr George Chan applauded MAS for solving the problems of insufficient flights faced by air travellers.

"The missing link is now to ensure a win-win situation for all parties. It can't be chopped off, as it is life or death as far as tourism is concerned," he said.

He also thanked the federal government for understanding the state's problems after the air route revamp, splitting the routes between MAS and AirAsia, and with Fly Asian Xpress (FAX) operating all rural air services in the northern region.

Air travellers and tourism players, including those in the Miri oil and gas industry, such as Shell Lutong office, had complained of insufficient flights and breakdown of connectivity to overseas destinations via Kota Kinabalu International Airport.

He said foreign tourists would shy away from Miri if there were no international flight connectivity from Kota Kinabalu to Miri because for holidaymakers, it must be easy travelling, assured luggage transfers and reliable flights.

He also said flight connectivity to Miri from overseas via Kota Kinabalu is very important to the tourism sector as it has planned for 20 years to tap into the potential of Mulu caves as a tourist destination.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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