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Royston presents a commemorative sash to Balingian assemblyman Abdul Yakub Arbi, who is one of the passengers of the first AirBorneo flight to have landed in Mukah.
MUKAH (Jan 2): The maiden landing of AirBorneo at Mukah Airport today has been described as ‘a significant catalyst for economic and tourism development in the area, particularly for the rural communities’.
Tellian assemblyman Royston Valentine said the carrier’s inaugural flights from Kuching to Mukah and Tanjung Manis marked a historic moment for Sarawak, as they symbolised the establishment of a state-owned airline set to prioritise the well-being and connectivity of the people.
“Besides land transportation, we now have the option of air travel.
“As we have witnessed today, AirBorneo has commenced its operations with inaugural flights from Kuching to Mukah, as well as to Tanjung Manis.
“This airline provides greater opportunities for the people in our areas to fully access air transportation services,” he told reporters when met after welcoming the arrival of AirBorneo’s maiden flight carrying 55 passengers from Kuching, which landed at Mukah Airport at 9.19am.
According to Royston, AirBorneo carries Sarawak’s identity and plays a role similar to that previously undertaken by MASwings, which had long provided essential air services to the rural and underserved areas.
He expressed confidence that improved air connectivity would further stimulate the local economy while attracting more tourists to destinations served by AirBorneo.
“Mukah is also preparing itself for tourism growth under the Rajang Delta Development Agency (RADDA), through several proposed and ongoing development projects.
“Among them is the development of Mukah’s extensive coastal area, stretching approximately 3.2km from the Batang Mukah estuary to the Sungai Petanak estuary.
“Along this coastline, we plan to develop tourism facilities such as food courts, recreational areas and other attractions that can transform Mukah into a coastal and cultural tourism destination,” he said.
Royston added that projects implemented under the people-centric initiatives, with continued support from the Sarawak and federal governments, would further enhance tourism infrastructure in the area.
“We hope that the presence of AirBorneo would complement these efforts.
“With a reliable air transport system and attractive tourism destinations, both will work hand in hand to drive development,” he said.
Also present were Mukah Resident Datu Kueh Lei Poh, local community leaders and representatives from the aviation industry.
