THE state government has been urged to ensure Sibu receives strong consideration in AirBorneo’s route planning.
Bukit Assek assemblyman, Chieng Jin Ek, stressed that Sarawak’s new airline must serve all regions fairly and not concentrate connectivity solely in Kuching.
He said air travel remains a “vital bridge” for Sarawakians, particularly those in central regions who rely heavily on flights for work, business opportunities and family reunions.
“Sibu is the heart of Central Sarawak. It is a major logistics, commercial, service and educational hub.
“If AirBorneo is designed to serve Sarawakians, then Sibu must be part of this historic journey toward a more connected and prosperous Sarawak,” he said when debating on the 2026 Sarawak Budget in the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today.
Chieng called for flight frequencies from Sibu to Kuching, Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu and Miri to be significantly increased, saying this would boost mobility and economic activity.
He also raised concerns over the recurring surge in airfares during festive seasons, which often prevents families from returning home.
“Many people find that the cost of a ticket becomes heavier than the celebration itself.
“I sincerely hope AirBorneo will introduce rakyat-friendly fares, especially during major festivals,” he added.
Chieng further urged the state to ensure Sibu is included in AirBorneo’s future regional and international plans, including routes to Singapore, Hong Kong, Bali, Jakarta and Shenzhen.
Even phased connecting flights, he added, would provide meaningful benefits for tourism, business and cargo exports.
Chieng also raised concerns over the enforcement practices under the Sarawak Electricity Ordinance, saying innocent landlords have been unfairly penalised for tenants’ electricity theft.
He cited recent cases brought to him, including a landlord threatened with a RM700,000 payment after a tenant installed illegal bitcoin mining equipment, and an elderly couple issued a RM95,000 demand despite not being involved in the offence.
“These are innocent property owners who neither benefited nor participated in any wrongdoing.
“Electricity is a basic necessity, and disconnection should never be weaponised against the innocent,” he added.
To prevent further injustice, Chieng proposed several reforms, including amendments to the Ordinance to differentiate between offenders and innocent consumers, mandatory prosecution of actual offenders before loss recovery, a ban on disconnecting electricity to unrelated premises, and the creation of an independent inquiry committee within SESCO.
“Fairness must prevail over convenience. Our laws must punish the guilty, but they must never destroy the innocent,” he said.
