KUCHING: The upcoming launch of direct flights between Pontianak and Kuching, expected to commence on September 12, is set to significantly improve regional connectivity while boosting Sarawak’s medical tourism and concert attendance.
Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, said while no official announcement has been made yet, he was informed that the Pontianak-Kuching route will operate with two flights daily.
“From what I gather, the direct flight will start on September 12. It’s going to be twice daily, I think, and around RM180 per week, if I’m not mistaken,” he said.
Abdul Karim said this during a press conference at The Spring Shopping Mall here today in conjunction with the Air Supply 50th Anniversary Celebration Concert.
He remarked that the flight schedule aligns well with major upcoming events in Kuching, particularly the Air Supply concert on September 24 at SBC Hall.
“There are a lot of rich people down there now (in Pontianak). Every time we have a concert, I can see many of them coming in by road.
“Even during last year’s year-end countdown, the CIQS (Customs, Immigration and Quarantine Complex) at Tebedu was jammed for three days. That’s how many came in from Indonesia and that’s just from Pontianak,” he shared.
He added that the strong performance of the Jakarta-Kuching direct flight, which continues to maintain a passenger load exceeding 80 per cent, underscores strong demand from Indonesian travellers.
He further acknowledged increasing visitor numbers from Singapore, while reiterating the importance of Brunei as a vital tourism market for Sarawak.
“Brunei has always been very supportive of our tourism sector. More than 100,000 Bruneians come into Sarawak every year,” he added.
“Whether it’s for entertainment, marathons, extreme sports, or even 4×4 rallies, the Bruneians are always the biggest group.”
On the topic of medical tourism, he reaffirmed that Indonesians remain the largest segment of medical visitors to Sarawak.
“We know the biggest numbers come from Indonesia, Pontianak and Jakarta. Many still travel by road, which takes about four to five hours. Some even fly from Pontianak to Jakarta, then from Jakarta to Kuching,” Abdul Karim added.
“With both Pontianak and Jakarta now having direct air links to Kuching, we expect a significant rise in the number of patients coming here for treatment.”
Looking ahead, Abdul Karim hinted at potential further regional expansion, revealing that a state delegation led by the Deputy Premier is flying to Balikpapan, a city he described as “bigger than Pontianak”.
