SINGAPORE: Sarawak is planning to launch direct flight routes through its new airline, Air Borneo, as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral relations and trade connectivity with Singapore.

Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg said the initiative is part of a broader strategy to boost the tourism, logistics, and cross-border trade sectors, particularly through the role of the Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office Singapore (STATOS).

“One of the areas of cooperation we are discussing with Singapore is the tourism sector. That is why we have STATOS here, and we also hope that Singapore will grant landing rights to Air Borneo,” he said.

He said this to the media after officiating the Sarawak Mega Fair 2025 at the Suntec Singapore Convention and Exhibition Centre on Thursday.

Expanding on the matter, Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari explained that Air Borneo will take a different approach compared to other airlines, focusing not only on passenger services but also on transporting chilled cargo from Sarawak to Singapore.

“We will be using ATR-72 aircraft, which will be modified into cargo planes equipped with refrigeration systems. For example, seafood and fresh fruits can be flown out of Sarawak as early as 6.00 a.m. and arrive in Singapore before 7.30 a.m. — ready to go straight into the market,” he elaborated.

He added that this move is expected to add value for local entrepreneurs in Sarawak who wish to penetrate the Singapore market more quickly and efficiently.

At the same time, Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari highlighted that Sarawak offers a variety of investment incentives, including competitive land prices, low premiums, and energy tariff concessions, all of which make the Land of the Hornbills one of the most attractive destinations for foreign investors, including those from Singapore.

He also reaffirmed Sarawak’s commitment to supplying green energy to Singapore by 2032, in line with the tripartite cooperation between the governments of Malaysia, Indonesia, and Sarawak to construct an undersea power cable.

Present at the press conference were Sarawak Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, and Datuk Amar Professor Dr. Sim Kui Hian, Speaker of the Sarawak Legislative Assembly Tan Sri Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar, Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, and Chairman of the STATOS Board of Directors Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Morshidi Abdul Ghani. -UKASnews