BINTULU: Singapore will serve as the first distribution hub for Sarawak’s food exports through a planned ATR aircraft under AirBorneo that will be converted for cargo operations.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg stated that the state government had earlier decided to reconfigure the ATR 72-600 aircraft to improve passenger comfort and support cargo needs once Sarawak takes over MASwings.
He said the arrangement would enable Sarawak’s produce to reach Singapore retail outlets early in the morning, given the short flight time of about one hour 20 minutes.
“One of the ATRs will be designated for cargo operations, beginning with Singapore as the centre.
“With this arrangement, we can deliver products such as tilapia directly to Singapore in the morning and have them on store shelves fresh,” he said at a press conference after launching the Sarawak Agrofest 2025 at Bintulu Old Airport here today.
Abang Johari explained that the plan would be coordinated by the Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office Singapore (STATOS), with initial flights dedicated to cargo services.
“Singapore requires a lot of food, and currently depends heavily on Cameron Highlands for vegetables. With our production, including organic produce, we can supply the city-state,” he added.
He noted that Sarawak already had entrepreneurs exporting terung asam to Singapore and Brunei, showing the wider potential of the agriculture sector.
“In the long term, we aim to be a food exporter. Our domestic population is small; so agriculture can grow into a major industry, not just in vegetables but also in livestock,” he said.
