CAMBODIA: The Sarawak government is exploring the possibility of establishing a direct flight route from Kuching to Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, said that this initiative would materialize once Sarawak has its own airline.

"Once we take over our airline, we will work towards strengthening ties with Cambodia.

"They have many historical attractions, just like we do in Sarawak.

"A direct Kuching-Phnom Penh route, which takes only about two hours, is certainly feasible," he said.

He made this statement when met by reporters after paying a courtesy call on Cambodia’s Prime Minister, Hun Manet, on Saturday.

Earlier, Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari attended the opening ceremony of the 20th General Assembly of the Regional Islamic Da’wah Council of Southeast Asia and the Pacific (RISEAP).

Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari added that Cambodia is planning to develop a halal industry, which presents opportunities for collaboration with Malaysia, particularly Sarawak.

"We will explore joint ventures in the food industry.

"Cambodia is a major rice producer, and we could potentially collaborate in sourcing rice seeds that could help advance our paddy industry in Sarawak.

"This could be a mutual effort between Sarawak and Cambodia, as we aim to produce our own rice. We can also share technology to benefit both parties," he added.

Also present during the courtesy call were Sarawak Deputy Minister for Utility and Telecommunication, Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi, Deputy Minister of Economy, Dato Hanifah Hajar Taib, RISEAP Honorary Secretary, Dato Mohamad Marzuki Mohamad Omar, and Sarawak Islamic Council President, Datuk Misnu Taha. -UKASnews