MIRI: Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring) Datuk Gerawat Gala is appealing to MASwings to increase the number of flights to Bario, Long Seridan, Long Banga and Ba’ Kelalan from here while waiting for runway extensions.
“The airport extension will take a long time. Surely MASwings can make an extra effort to launch additional flights to these destinations as an interim measure,” he pointed out on Saturday.
Earlier, Gerawat together with MASwings chief operating officer Suresh Singam witnessed the launching of the third MASwings flight to Long Banga from here.
MASwings has reduced its passenger load to a maxinum of nine passengers per flight , compared to 14 to 15 passengers originally , although the Twin Otter can sit 19.
Therefore, Gerawat reiterated his request for additional flights to address the needs of the local community.
“Since MASwings started limiting the number of passengers to a maximum of nine passengers on flights to Bario, Long Banga and Long Seridan more than one year ago, I have been appealing to Ma-swings and the federal Ministry for Transport for additional flights to Bario, Long Banga and Long Seridan to make up for the significant reduction in passenger load on all flights to these destinations,” he said.
“Our Baram MP Anyie Ngau has also spoken in parliament on this need by our rural communities served by MASwings.
“I have also met the former federal Transport Minister on this matter, I understand after a visit to Bario early last year by officers from the Ministry of Transport and Malaysia Airport Berhad (MAB), it has been decided that the STOLport (short take off and landing) at Bario, Long Banga and Long Seridan need to be extended to accommodate the maximum passenger load of 19 on MASwings to these destinations,” he explained.
In fact, he said, the Deputy Minister for Transport Datuk Hasbi Habibolah, had told him that he wanted to visit these STOLports to see for himself how these STOLports can be extended.
“I am arranging for these visits in April after Hari Raya,” said Gerawat.
Gerawat added, that the continuing reduction in passenger load on flights to Bario, Long Seridan, Long Banga and Ba’Kelalan has caused great inconvenience for travellers to these destinations, especially the elderly and sick patients who cannot take the nine to 13 hours rough ride on logging road to these destinations.
” It has also adversely affected the local economy especially homestay owners, tourist guides and food and beverage businesses who are going through a tough time arising from the significant drop in tourist arrivals due to limited seats on the flights,” he told a group of local newsmen.
Also present were Presodent of Rurum Kelabit Sarawak Dato Dr Philip Raja, Penghulu Robin Udau, Ketua Kaum (KK) Rhenly Gau, KK Lut Tuloi, KK Rahman Apek, KK Lasau Singan and Sarawak Saban Association president Usat Bilong.
