Abdul Karim welcomes the announcement on AirAsia takes over KK-Sibu, KK-Bintulu routes

November 22, 2018

SIBU: Transport Minister Anthony Loke’s announcement that AirAsia Group Bhd is set to take over the Kota Kinabalu (KK)-Sibu and KK-Bintulu routes from MASwings Sdn Bhd starting January 2019.

Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, when contacted TheBorneoPost, said although he has yet to be informed about the matter, it is ‘very much welcomed news’ if it is true.

He added that this is the sector which Sibu and Bintulu residents have been asking for.

AirAsia taking over KK-Sibu, KK-Bintulu routes a welcome news – Abdul Karim

November 21, 2018

SIBU: Transport Minister Anthony Loke’s announcement that the low cost carrier – AirAsia is set to take over the Kota Kinabalu (KK)-Sibu and KK-Bintulu routes from MASwings Sdn Bhd starting January 2019 is indeed a welcome news to residents of both towns.

When contacted today, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said he has yet to be informed about the matter, but pointed out that if this is true, it is a positive development for this sector.

“I have not been informed of this yet but if it is true, this is very much welcome news. This is one sector which Sibu and Bintulu residents have been asking for,” Abdul Karim told The Borneo Post.

Karim hopes Transport Ministry will reconsider its decision

November 10, 2017

KUCHING: The State Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah hopes the Transport Ministry would reconsider its decision to cease operations for six routes in Sabah and Sarawak by next year to make way for commercial airlines.

He said: “Ceasing operations for these routes will not be good for business, tourism and movements within these states. 

"It is hoped that the Transport Ministry and Mavcom will look into this matter deeply and not cease operation just based on load (factor) as it will greatly hinder the growth and development of towns where these flights are connected.”

AirAsia may resume Sibu-Kota Kinabalu flight

July 1, 2017

SIBU: AirAsia may resume its Sibu-Kota Kinabalu (KK) flight as the low-cost carrier is said to be keen in servicing the route again.

AirAsia discontinued the route in August 2009 after operating for four months, as MASwings had been given exclusive rights by the government to service the rural air routes.

Following that, there had been numerous calls from tourism players here for the flight to resume with the Sibu Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCCI) being the latest to jump into the bandwagon.