LUNDU: Sarawak’s AirBorneo fleet is expected to expand in October, with a new direct Jakarta-Kuching route set to strengthen tourism and healthcare travel into the state.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the expansion of Sarawak’s own airline would support the State’s long-term tourism plans by bringing more visitors into Sarawak, including tourists from Indonesia.
He said the Jakarta-Kuching connection would make travel between the two cities more convenient, with the flight taking about one hour and 20 minutes.
“Not long from now, our aeroplanes will increase. In October, we will fly to Jakarta. Don’t make Tanjong Datu go to Jakarta; let people from Jakarta come to Tanjong Datu,” he said when officiating the Batang Kayan Regatta here today.
Abang Johari said tourism remains a key foundation for development in Tanjong Datu and its surrounding areas, with the region already seeing an increase in visitors from Singapore.
He said some Singaporean tourists were visiting during weekends for sport fishing, renting boats and spending two to three nights in the area before returning home with their catch.
“We have many fishing spots in our region, and the resource is very good for sport fishing,” he said.
He said improved air connectivity would also support Sarawak’s growing healthcare sector by making it easier for people from outside the State to seek treatment in Kuching.
He said the journey from Kuching to Jakarta is shorter than travelling to Kuala Lumpur, potentially making Sarawak a more accessible destination for medical travellers.
“Because the journey from Kuching to Jakarta is one hour and 20 minutes, it is closer than Kuala Lumpur. Therefore, more people will be able to access our healthcare services,” he said.
Abang Johari said Sarawak is currently constructing three new private hospitals in Batu Lintang, Northbank and Petra Jaya, while existing healthcare facilities are also expanding their capacity.
He cited the expansion of KPJ Kuching, which he said would add another 200 beds, reflecting the growing demand for healthcare services in Kuching.
Abang Johari said medical tourism could also generate wider economic benefits, as visitors seeking treatment would require accommodation and places to rest and recover after receiving medical care.
“After receiving treatment, they must rest. We need places for them to recover post-treatment while receiving the best healthcare,” he said.
Abang Johari also said Sarawak needed to prepare for a growing ageing population, noting that the number of people aged 65 and above is expected to increase significantly.
He said the State’s economic planning must therefore take into account the needs of an ageing population, including access to appropriate healthcare facilities.
“We will have an ageing population, so we have to plan our economy to provide facilities for older people,” he said.
He added that Sarawak’s healthcare services should cater not only to its own population but also to people from outside the State.
“This is why we are planning to provide healthcare facilities not only for Sarawakians but also for people from outside Sarawak,” he said.
