PADAWAN: Sarawakians could potentially enjoy subsidised airfares during festive seasons in the future as preparations for Sarawak’s own airline, AirBorneo continue to gather momentum.
Deputy Minister of Transport and Mambong assemblyman, Datuk Dr Jerip Susil said the possibility was raised following recent announcements on the progress of AirBorneo, which is expected to begin operations in stages over the coming months.
Prior to this, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg had revealed that AirBorneo is expected to have three jet aircraft by July and will initially operate routes connecting Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Kota Kinabalu and Jakarta. The Sarawak-owned airline also intends to begin flights linking East Malaysia and Peninsular Malaysia as early as this year, before expanding to regional destinations across Southeast Asia in 2027.
Speaking to reporters during the Brarak (Parade) & Bipajak (Community Meal) celebration here, Dr Jerip said the state government is currently studying passenger demand and operational requirements before any decision on festive airfare subsidies can be made.
“We are still studying flight and passenger intensity at this stage. There are several processes that need to be completed, including flight bookings and approvals with the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia,” he said.
According to him, AirBorneo is presently undergoing operational preparations involving route scheduling, regulatory approvals and aircraft arrangements.
“Based on the announcement, we hope flights within the regional network can begin sometime in July. As for subsidies during festive seasons, we certainly hope it can be implemented, but we need to wait until flight operations are confirmed first,” he said.
When asked whether Sarawakians could expect airfare subsidies during future festive periods, Dr Jerip replied, “We hope so.”
The proposal is expected to be welcomed by Sarawakians, many of whom have long voiced concerns over high airfares during major celebrations such as Gawai Dayak, Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Chinese New Year and Christmas.
Earlier, Dr Jerip joined participants of the fourth edition of Brarak & Bipajak , a community parade and cultural gathering held in conjunction with Gawai Dayak.
He said the event was created to celebrate Dayak culture, traditions and unity while welcoming participation from people of all backgrounds.
“The purpose of Brarak & Bipajak is to showcase our culture and our unity together. We want outsiders to come and participate with us, to have a sense of belonging and enjoy the celebration with us,” he said.
This year’s programme attracted 21 contingents comprising cultural associations, community organisations and non-governmental groups.
According to Dr Jerip, while Gawai was traditionally celebrated within individual homes and villages, community-based events such as Berarak dan Bipajak provide a larger platform to showcase Dayak traditions, food, cultural performances and heritage.
“We want to celebrate on a bigger scale and allow more people to experience and appreciate our culture,” he added.
On local development, Dr Jerip said the proposed Bayur Township project, an upcoming development project located in the Padawan sub-district of Kuching, is moving forward, with the Dewan Serbaguna currently undergoing the tender process.
Positioned as a major growth centre and a key part of the Sarawak Delta Geopark, it is spearheaded by the Greater Kuching Coordinated Development Agency (GKCDA).
He added that the state government is awaiting land alienation procedures by the Land and Survey Department before township development can commence.
“The future township will become a centre for cultural presentations and activities, including facilities inspired by the traditional Baruk as well as a large community hall,” he said.
Dr Jerip also provided updates on the Mambong Coffee Belt project, which is an agricultural and agro-tourism initiative spearhead by him, to transform Mambong constituency here, into a premier hub for Liberia coffee production, spans approximately 600 hectares across Kampung Bayur and Kampung Jambu.
The initiative aims to establish a large-scale coffee plantation and industry ecosystem focused on export markets.
Among the planned facilities are a Coffee Collection Centre, nursery, research centre, viewing point and a dedicated 20-acre coffee campus.
“We want this to become a one-stop centre for coffee development. The project will be managed with the assistance of coffee experts, particularly from Belgium, to ensure international standards and quality,” he said.
Meanwhile, Dr Jerip reiterated the community’s aspiration for the Padawan Sub-District Office to be upgraded into a full district.
He said the proposal remains under consideration and no official decision has yet been announced by the Sarawak government.
“It is the wish of the people for Padawan to be upgraded to a district. We hope it can happen, but it depends on the state administration,” he said.
The announcements came amid the festive atmosphere of Gawai celebrations, where hundreds gathered to celebrate Sarawak’s rich cultural heritage, unity and community spirit.
For Dr Jerip, initiatives such as Brarak & Bipajak not only preserve Dayak traditions but also strengthen understanding and friendship among Sarawak’s diverse communities.
“Gawai is special because it allows us to showcase our culture, traditions and hospitality while bringing people together as one community,” he said.
