KUCHING: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg hopes flight connectivity issues affecting festive travel can be better managed by next year’s Gawai celebration with the full operation of AirBorneo.
Describing this year’s Gawai celebration as lively despite economic uncertainties, he said improved air connectivity would make it easier for Sarawakians working outside the state to return home for major festivities.
“We hope that in the future we can resolve flight-related issues when AirBorneo becomes fully operational. At the moment, we are still in a transition period and are unable to manage the situation as effectively as we would like,” he said when met during the Gawai Dayak 2026 Open House at UNIFOR Complex here on Gawai Day (June 1).
Abang Johari said he hoped that by next year, authorities would have sufficient time to address air travel challenges ahead of Gawai and other festive seasons.
He also hinted at the possibility of additional subsidies to help ease travel costs and improve accessibility during peak festive periods.
“I pray that next year we will have at least six months before Gawai and other festive celebrations to tackle flight-related issues. This will allow Sarawakians working outside the state to return home and enable those working in Sarawak to travel back to their respective hometowns and home states,” he said.
Meanwhile, Abang Johari welcomed the growing participation of various communities in Gawai-related celebrations and cultural activities, describing it as a positive reflection of Sarawak’s multicultural identity.
He said exposure through the state-owned television station, TVS, as well as digital platforms, has helped showcase Sarawak’s unique cultural heritage to audiences across Malaysia and beyond.
“I can see that our culture is now better understood by Malaysians because we have our own television platform that showcases our unique traditions. Through YouTube and other digital platforms, our culture is also reaching international audiences,” he said.
Abang Johari pointed out that such exposure encourages more people to learn about Sarawak’s multi-ethnic and multi-religious society, as well as the diverse festivals celebrated throughout the state.
He also expressed appreciation to members of the media for their role in promoting and preserving Sarawak’s cultural heritage through their coverage of local events and celebrations.
