KUCHING: The accessibility of buses across the Sarawak-Kalimantan border needs to be reassessed to enhance cross-border tourism.
Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts principal assistant secretary Dr. Elena Gregoria Chai Chin Fern stressed that while the ministry remains committed to fostering regional cooperation in tourism, arts, and culture, stakeholders must work together to resolve the issue of bus access.
“For instance, there is an imbalance; Indonesian buses can enter Sarawak, but our buses cannot cross into Kalimantan,” she said.
Dr. Chai also pointed out the lack of public transportation in districts such as Bintulu, Lawas, and Limbang, which poses challenges for hosting ministry-led programmes in these areas.
“It is not just the ministry’s responsibility; we need travel agents to collaborate with us so that Sarawak can continue to thrive as a premier tourism destination,” she said.
She made these remarks while representing Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah at the handover ceremony of the first Scania New Bus Generation Euro 5 Semi-High Deck Tour Coach to Khaimal Borneo Travel and Tours Sdn Bhd at Scania Sdn Bhd today.
Speaking on the new Scania bus, Dr. Chai noted that it is designed to enhance safety and comfort for both drivers and passengers.
“It was developed with the passenger experience in mind and aligns with our goal of attracting five million tourists to Sarawak this year,” she said.
She added that the bus reduces emissions by up to nine percent, in line with Sarawak’s Sustainability Vision 2030.
“I look forward to Sarawak fostering more pro-business and pro-environment partnerships,” she said.
